Encoder, decoder, encoding method, decoding method, and recording medium

ABSTRACT

An encoder partitions into blocks using a set of block partition modes. The set of block partition modes includes a first partition mode for partitioning a first block, and a second block partition mode for partitioning a second block which is one of blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned. When the number of partitions of the first block partition mode is three, the second block is a center block among the blocks obtained after partitioning the first block, and the partition direction of the second block partition mode is same as the partition direction of the first block partition mode, the second block partition mode indicates that the number of partitions is only three. A parameter for identifying the second block partition mode includes a first flag indicating a horizontal or vertical partition direction, and does not include a second flag indicating the number of partitions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. continuation application of PCT International Patent Application Number PCT/JP2019/018650 filed on May 9, 2019, claiming the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/674,812 filed on May 22, 2018 and Japanese Patent Application Number 2019-028523 filed on Feb. 20, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for encoding and decoding video and images using block partition.

2. Description of the Related Art

In conventional image and video encoding methods, an image is typically partitioned into blocks and encoding and decoding processes are performed at block level. In recent video standards development, the encoding and decoding processes can be performed at various block sizes other than typical 8×8 or 16×16 sizes. In an image, a range of sizes from 4×4 to 256×256 can be used for encoding and decoding processes of an image.

SUMMARY

An encoder according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an encoder that encodes a picture and includes: a processor; and memory, wherein the processor includes: a block partition determiner that partitions the picture into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the picture being read from the memory; and an encoding unit that encodes the plurality of blocks, the set of block partition modes includes a first partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a first block, and a second block partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a second block which is one of blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned, when the total number of partitions of the first block partition mode is three, the second block is a center block among the blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned, and the partition direction of the second block partition mode is same as the partition direction of the first block partition mode, the second block partition mode includes only a block partition mode indicating that the total number of partitions is three, and a parameter for identifying the second block partition mode includes a first flag indicating whether a block is to be partitioned horizontally or vertically, and does not include a second flag indicating a total number of partitions into which the block is to be partitioned.

A decoder according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a decoder that decodes an encoded signal and includes: a processor; and memory, wherein the processor includes: a block partition determiner that partitions the encoded signal into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the encoded signal being read from the memory; and a decoding unit that decodes the plurality of blocks, the set of block partition modes includes a first partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a first block, and a second block partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a second block which is one of blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned, when the total number of partitions of the first block partition mode is three, the second block is a center block among the blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned, and the partition direction of the second block partition mode is same as the partition direction of the first block partition mode, the second block partition mode includes only a block partition mode indicating that the total number of partitions is three, and a parameter for identifying the second block partition mode includes a first flag indicating whether a block is to be partitioned horizontally or vertically, and does not include a second flag indicating a total number of partitions into which the block is to be partitioned.

It should be noted that general and specific aspects described above may be implemented using a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or any arbitrary combination of systems, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, or computer-readable recording media.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other objects, advantages and features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that illustrate a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the encoder according to Embodiment 1;

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of block splitting according to Embodiment 1;

FIG. 3 is a chart indicating transform basis functions for each transform type;

FIG. 4A illustrates one example of a filter shape used in ALF;

FIG. 4B illustrates another example of a filter shape used in ALF;

FIG. 4C illustrates another example of a filter shape used in ALF;

FIG. 5A illustrates 67 intra prediction modes used in intra prediction;

FIG. 5B is a flow chart for illustrating an outline of a prediction image correction process performed via OBMC processing;

FIG. 5C is a conceptual diagram for illustrating an outline of a prediction image correction process performed via OBMC processing;

FIG. 5D illustrates one example of FRUC;

FIG. 6 is for illustrating pattern matching (bilateral matching) between two blocks along a motion trajectory;

FIG. 7 is for illustrating pattern matching (template matching) between a template in the current picture and a block in a reference picture;

FIG. 8 is for illustrating a model assuming uniform linear motion;

FIG. 9A is for illustrating deriving a motion vector of each sub-block based on motion vectors of neighboring blocks;

FIG. 9B is for illustrating an outline of a process for deriving a motion vector via merge mode;

FIG. 9C is a conceptual diagram for illustrating an outline of DMVR processing;

FIG. 9D is for illustrating an outline of a prediction image generation method using a luminance correction process performed via LIC processing;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the decoding device according to Embodiment 1;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a video encoding process according to Embodiment 2;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a video decoding process according to Embodiment 2;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a video encoding process according to Embodiment 3;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a video decoding process according to Embodiment 3;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a video/image encoder according to Embodiment 2 or 3;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a video/image decoder according to Embodiment 2 or 3;

FIG. 17 illustrates examples of possible locations of a first parameter in a compressed video bitstream according to Embodiment 2 or 3;

FIG. 18 illustrates examples of possible locations of a second parameter in a compressed video bitstream according to Embodiment 2 or 3;

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a second parameter following after a first parameter according to Embodiment 2 or 3;

FIG. 20 illustrates an example in which a second partition mode is not selected for partitioning a 2N pixels by N pixels block, as illustrated in step (2 c), in Embodiment 2;

FIG. 21 illustrates an example in which a second partition mode is not selected for partitioning a N pixels by 2N pixels block, as illustrated in step (2 c), in Embodiment 2;

FIG. 22 illustrates an example in which a second partition mode is not selected for partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block, as illustrated in step (2 c), in Embodiment 2;

FIG. 23 illustrates an example in which a second partition mode is not selected for partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block, as illustrated in step (2 c), in Embodiment 2;

FIG. 24 illustrates an example of partitioning a 2N pixels by N pixels block using a partition mode selected when the second partition mode is not to be selected, as illustrated in step (3), in Embodiment 2;

FIG. 25 illustrates an example of partitioning a N pixels by 2N pixels block using a partition mode selected when the second partition mode is not to be selected, as illustrated in step (3), in Embodiment 2;

FIG. 26 illustrates an example of partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block using a partition mode selected when the second partition mode is not to be selected, as illustrated in step (3), in Embodiment 2;

FIG. 27 illustrates an example of partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block using a partition mode selected when the second partition mode is not to be selected, as illustrated in step (3), in Embodiment 2;

FIG. 28 illustrates examples of partition modes for partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block in Embodiment 2. (a) to (h) show different partition modes;

FIG. 29 illustrates examples of partition types and partition directions for partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block in Embodiment 3. (1), (2), (3), and (4) are different partition types, (1 a), (2 a), (3 a), and (4 a) are different partition modes from related partition types in vertical partition direction, and (1 b), (2 b), (3 b), and (4 b) are different partition modes from related partition types in horizontal partition direction;

FIG. 30 illustrates an advantage of encoding partition type before partition direction as compared to encoding partition direction before partition type, according to Embodiment 3;

FIG. 31A illustrates an example of splitting a block into sub blocks using a set of partition modes with fewer bins in encoding partition modes;

FIG. 31B illustrates an example of splitting a block into sub blocks using a set of partition modes with fewer bins in encoding partition modes;

FIG. 32A illustrates an example of splitting a block into sub blocks using a set of partition modes that appears first in a predetermined order of a plurality of sets of partition modes;

FIG. 32B illustrates an example of splitting a block into sub blocks using a set of partition modes that appears first in a predetermined order of a plurality of sets of partition modes;

FIG. 32C illustrates an example of splitting a block into sub blocks using a set of partition modes that appears first in a predetermined order of a plurality of sets of partition modes;

FIG. 33 illustrates an overall configuration of a content providing system for implementing a content distribution service;

FIG. 34 illustrates one example of encoding structure in scalable encoding;

FIG. 35 illustrates one example of encoding structure in scalable encoding;

FIG. 36 illustrates an example of a display screen of a web page;

FIG. 37 illustrates an example of a display screen of a web page;

FIG. 38 illustrates one example of a smartphone;

FIG. 39 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a smartphone;

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating an example of a restriction on a partition mode for splitting a rectangular block into three sub blocks;

FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating an example of a restriction on a partition mode for splitting a block into two sub blocks;

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an example of a restriction on a partition mode for splitting a square block into three sub blocks;

FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating an example of a restriction on a partition mode for splitting a rectangular block into two sub blocks;

FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an example of a restriction based on the partition direction of a partition mode for splitting a non-rectangular block into two sub blocks; and

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating an example of a valid partition direction of a partition mode for splitting a non-rectangular block into two sub blocks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a general or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, steps, order of the steps, etc., indicated in the following embodiments are mere examples, and therefore are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, those not recited in any one of the independent claims defining the broadest inventive concepts are described as optional components.

Embodiment 1

First, an outline of Embodiment 1 will be presented as one example of an encoder and a decoder to which the processes and/or configurations presented in subsequent description of aspects of the present disclosure are applicable. Note that Embodiment 1 is merely one example of an encoder and a decoder to which the processes and/or configurations presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure are applicable. The processes and/or configurations presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure can also be implemented in an encoder and a decoder different from those according to Embodiment 1.

When the processes and/or configurations presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure are applied to Embodiment 1, for example, any of the following may be performed.

(1) regarding the encoder or the decoder according to Embodiment 1, among components included in the encoder or the decoder according to Embodiment 1, substituting a component corresponding to a component presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure with a component presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure;

(2) regarding the encoder or the decoder according to Embodiment 1, implementing discretionary changes to functions or implemented processes performed by one or more components included in the encoder or the decoder according to Embodiment 1, such as addition, substitution, or removal, etc., of such functions or implemented processes, then substituting a component corresponding to a component presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure with a component presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure;

(3) regarding the method implemented by the encoder or the decoder according to Embodiment 1, implementing discretionary changes such as addition of processes and/or substitution, removal of one or more of the processes included in the method, and then substituting a processes corresponding to a process presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure with a process presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure;

(4) combining one or more components included in the encoder or the decoder according to Embodiment 1 with a component presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure, a component including one or more functions included in a component presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure, or a component that implements one or more processes implemented by a component presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure;

(5) combining a component including one or more functions included in one or more components included in the encoder or the decoder according to Embodiment 1, or a component that implements one or more processes implemented by one or more components included in the encoder or the decoder according to Embodiment 1 with a component presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure, a component including one or more functions included in a component presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure, or a component that implements one or more processes implemented by a component presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure;

(6) regarding the method implemented by the encoder or the decoder according to Embodiment 1, among processes included in the method, substituting a process corresponding to a process presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure with a process presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure; and

(7) combining one or more processes included in the method implemented by the encoder or the decoder according to Embodiment 1 with a process presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure.

Note that the implementation of the processes and/or configurations presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. For example, the processes and/or configurations presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in a device used for a purpose different from the moving picture/picture encoder or the moving picture/picture decoder disclosed in Embodiment 1. Moreover, the processes and/or configurations presented in the description of aspects of the present disclosure may be independently implemented. Moreover, processes and/or configurations described in different aspects may be combined.

[Encoder Outline]

First, the encoder according to Embodiment 1 will be outlined. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of encoder 100 according to Embodiment 1. Encoder 100 is a moving picture/picture encoder that encodes a moving picture/picture block by block.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , encoder 100 is a device that encodes a picture block by block, and includes splitter 102, subtractor 104, transformer 106, quantizer 108, entropy encoder 110, inverse quantizer 112, inverse transformer 114, adder 116, block memory 118, loop filter 120, frame memory 122, intra predictor 124, inter predictor 126, and prediction controller 128.

Encoder 100 is realized as, for example, a generic processor and memory. In this case, when a software program stored in the memory is executed by the processor, the processor functions as splitter 102, subtractor 104, transformer 106, quantizer 108, entropy encoder 110, inverse quantizer 112, inverse transformer 114, adder 116, loop filter 120, intra predictor 124, inter predictor 126, and prediction controller 128. Alternatively, encoder 100 may be realized as one or more dedicated electronic circuits corresponding to splitter 102, subtractor 104, transformer 106, quantizer 108, entropy encoder 110, inverse quantizer 112, inverse transformer 114, adder 116, loop filter 120, intra predictor 124, inter predictor 126, and prediction controller 128.

Hereinafter, each component included in encoder 100 will be described.

[Splitter]

Splitter 102 splits each picture included in an input moving picture into blocks, and outputs each block to subtractor 104. For example, splitter 102 first splits a picture into blocks of a fixed size (for example, 128×128). The fixed size block is also referred to as coding tree unit (CTU). Splitter 102 then splits each fixed size block into blocks of variable sizes (for example, 64×64 or smaller), based on recursive quad tree and/or binary tree block splitting. The variable size block is also referred to as a coding unit (CU), a prediction unit (PU), or a transform unit (TU). Note that in this embodiment, there is no need to differentiate between CU, PU, and TU; all or some of the blocks in a picture may be processed per CU, PU, or TU.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of block splitting according to Embodiment 1. In FIG. 2 , the solid lines represent block boundaries of blocks split by quad tree block splitting, and the dashed lines represent block boundaries of blocks split by binary tree block splitting.

Here, block 10 is a square 128×128 pixel block (128×128 block). This 128×128 block 10 is first split into four square 64×64 blocks (quad tree block splitting).

The top left 64×64 block is further vertically split into two rectangle 32×64 blocks, and the left 32×64 block is further vertically split into two rectangle 16×64 blocks (binary tree block splitting). As a result, the top left 64×64 block is split into two 16×64 blocks 11 and 12 and one 32×64 block 13.

The top right 64×64 block is horizontally split into two rectangle 64×32 blocks 14 and 15 (binary tree block splitting).

The bottom left 64×64 block is first split into four square 32×32 blocks (quad tree block splitting). The top left block and the bottom right block among the four 32×32 blocks are further split. The top left 32×32 block is vertically split into two rectangle 16×32 blocks, and the right 16×32 block is further horizontally split into two 16×16 blocks (binary tree block splitting). The bottom right 32×32 block is horizontally split into two 32×16 blocks (binary tree block splitting). As a result, the bottom left 64×64 block is split into 16×32 block 16, two 16×16 blocks 17 and 18, two 32×32 blocks 19 and 20, and two 32×16 blocks 21 and 22.

The bottom right 64×64 block 23 is not split.

As described above, in FIG. 2 , block 10 is split into 13 variable size blocks 11 through 23 based on recursive quad tree and binary tree block splitting. This type of splitting is also referred to as quad tree plus binary tree (QTBT) splitting.

Note that in FIG. 2 , one block is split into four or two blocks (quad tree or binary tree block splitting), but splitting is not limited to this example. For example, one block may be split into three blocks (ternary block splitting). Splitting including such ternary block splitting is also referred to as multi-type tree (MBT) splitting

[Subtractor]

Subtractor 104 subtracts a prediction signal (prediction sample) from an original signal (original sample) per block split by splitter 102. In other words, subtractor 104 calculates prediction errors (also referred to as residuals) of a block to be encoded (hereinafter referred to as a current block). Subtractor 104 then outputs the calculated prediction errors to transformer 106.

The original signal is a signal input into encoder 100, and is a signal representing an image for each picture included in a moving picture (for example, a luma signal and two chroma signals). Hereinafter, a signal representing an image is also referred to as a sample.

[Transformer]

Transformer 106 transforms spatial domain prediction errors into frequency domain transform coefficients, and outputs the transform coefficients to quantizer 108. More specifically, transformer 106 applies, for example, a predefined discrete cosine transform (DCT) or discrete sine transform (DST) to spatial domain prediction errors.

Note that transformer 106 may adaptively select a transform type from among a plurality of transform types, and transform prediction errors into transform coefficients by using a transform basis function corresponding to the selected transform type. This sort of transform is also referred to as explicit multiple core transform (EMT) or adaptive multiple transform (AMT).

The transform types include, for example, DCT-II, DCT-V, DCT-VIII, DST-I, and DST-VII. FIG. 3 is a chart indicating transform basis functions for each transform type. In FIG. 3 , N indicates the number of input pixels. For example, selection of a transform type from among the plurality of transform types may depend on the prediction type (intra prediction and inter prediction), and may depend on intra prediction mode.

Information indicating whether to apply such EMT or AMT (referred to as, for example, an AMT flag) and information indicating the selected transform type is signalled at the CU level. Note that the signaling of such information need not be performed at the CU level, and may be performed at another level (for example, at the sequence level, picture level, slice level, tile level, or CTU level).

Moreover, transformer 106 may apply a secondary transform to the transform coefficients (transform result). Such a secondary transform is also referred to as adaptive secondary transform (AST) or non-separable secondary transform (NSST). For example, transformer 106 applies a secondary transform to each sub-block (for example, each 4×4 sub-block) included in the block of the transform coefficients corresponding to the intra prediction errors. Information indicating whether to apply NSST and information related to the transform matrix used in NSST are signalled at the CU level. Note that the signaling of such information need not be performed at the CU level, and may be performed at another level (for example, at the sequence level, picture level, slice level, tile level, or CTU level).

Here, a separable transform is a method in which a transform is performed a plurality of times by separately performing a transform for each direction according to the number of dimensions input. A non-separable transform is a method of performing a collective transform in which two or more dimensions in a multidimensional input are collectively regarded as a single dimension.

In one example of a non-separable transform, when the input is a 4×4 block, the 4×4 block is regarded as a single array including 16 components, and the transform applies a 16×16 transform matrix to the array.

Moreover, similar to above, after an input 4×4 block is regarded as a single array including 16 components, a transform that performs a plurality of Givens rotations on the array (i.e., a Hypercube-Givens Transform) is also one example of a non-separable transform.

[Quantizer]

Quantizer 108 quantizes the transform coefficients output from transformer 106. More specifically, quantizer 108 scans, in a predetermined scanning order, the transform coefficients of the current block, and quantizes the scanned transform coefficients based on quantization parameters (QP) corresponding to the transform coefficients. Quantizer 108 then outputs the quantized transform coefficients (hereinafter referred to as quantized coefficients) of the current block to entropy encoder 110 and inverse quantizer 112.

A predetermined order is an order for quantizing/inverse quantizing transform coefficients. For example, a predetermined scanning order is defined as ascending order of frequency (from low to high frequency) or descending order of frequency (from high to low frequency).

A quantization parameter is a parameter defining a quantization step size (quantization width). For example, if the value of the quantization parameter increases, the quantization step size also increases. In other words, if the value of the quantization parameter increases, the quantization error increases.

[Entropy Encoder]

Entropy encoder 110 generates an encoded signal (encoded bitstream) by variable length encoding quantized coefficients, which are inputs from quantizer 108. More specifically, entropy encoder 110, for example, binarizes quantized coefficients and arithmetic encodes the binary signal.

[Inverse Quantizer]

Inverse quantizer 112 inverse quantizes quantized coefficients, which are inputs from quantizer 108. More specifically, inverse quantizer 112 inverse quantizes, in a predetermined scanning order, quantized coefficients of the current block. Inverse quantizer 112 then outputs the inverse quantized transform coefficients of the current block to inverse transformer 114.

[Inverse Transformer]

Inverse transformer 114 restores prediction errors by inverse transforming transform coefficients, which are inputs from inverse quantizer 112. More specifically, inverse transformer 114 restores the prediction errors of the current block by applying an inverse transform corresponding to the transform applied by transformer 106 on the transform coefficients. Inverse transformer 114 then outputs the restored prediction errors to adder 116.

Note that since information is lost in quantization, the restored prediction errors do not match the prediction errors calculated by subtractor 104. In other words, the restored prediction errors include quantization errors.

[Adder]

Adder 116 reconstructs the current block by summing prediction errors, which are inputs from inverse transformer 114, and prediction samples, which are inputs from prediction controller 128. Adder 116 then outputs the reconstructed block to block memory 118 and loop filter 120. A reconstructed block is also referred to as a local decoded block.

[Block Memory]

Block memory 118 is storage for storing blocks in a picture to be encoded (hereinafter referred to as a current picture) for reference in intra prediction. More specifically, block memory 118 stores reconstructed blocks output from adder 116.

[Loop Filter]

Loop filter 120 applies a loop filter to blocks reconstructed by adder 116, and outputs the filtered reconstructed blocks to frame memory 122. A loop filter is a filter used in an encoding loop (in-loop filter), and includes, for example, a deblocking filter (DF), a sample adaptive offset (SAO), and an adaptive loop filter (ALF).

In ALF, a least square error filter for removing compression artifacts is applied. For example, one filter from among a plurality of filters is selected for each 2×2 sub-block in the current block based on direction and activity of local gradients, and is applied.

More specifically, first, each sub-block (for example, each 2×2 sub-block) is categorized into one out of a plurality of classes (for example, 15 or 25 classes). The classification of the sub-block is based on gradient directionality and activity. For example, classification index C is derived based on gradient directionality D (for example, 0 to 2 or 0 to 4) and gradient activity A (for example, 0 to 4) (for example, C=5D+A). Then, based on classification index C, each sub-block is categorized into one out of a plurality of classes (for example, 15 or 25 classes).

For example, gradient directionality D is calculated by comparing gradients of a plurality of directions (for example, the horizontal, vertical, and two diagonal directions). Moreover, for example, gradient activity A is calculated by summing gradients of a plurality of directions and quantizing the sum.

The filter to be used for each sub-block is determined from among the plurality of filters based on the result of such categorization.

The filter shape to be used in ALF is, for example, a circular symmetric filter shape. FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C illustrate examples of filter shapes used in ALF. FIG. 4A illustrates a 5×5 diamond shape filter, FIG. 4B illustrates a 7×7 diamond shape filter, and FIG. 4C illustrates a 9×9 diamond shape filter. Information indicating the filter shape is signalled at the picture level. Note that the signaling of information indicating the filter shape need not be performed at the picture level, and may be performed at another level (for example, at the sequence level, slice level, tile level, CTU level, or CU level).

The enabling or disabling of ALF is determined at the picture level or CU level. For example, for luma, the decision to apply ALF or not is done at the CU level, and for chroma, the decision to apply ALF or not is done at the picture level. Information indicating whether ALF is enabled or disabled is signalled at the picture level or CU level. Note that the signaling of information indicating whether ALF is enabled or disabled need not be performed at the picture level or CU level, and may be performed at another level (for example, at the sequence level, slice level, tile level, or CTU level).

The coefficients set for the plurality of selectable filters (for example, 15 or 25 filters) is signalled at the picture level. Note that the signaling of the coefficients set need not be performed at the picture level, and may be performed at another level (for example, at the sequence level, slice level, tile level, CTU level, CU level, or sub-block level).

[Frame Memory]

Frame memory 122 is storage for storing reference pictures used in inter prediction, and is also referred to as a frame buffer. More specifically, frame memory 122 stores reconstructed blocks filtered by loop filter 120.

[Intra Predictor]

Intra predictor 124 generates a prediction signal (intra prediction signal) by intra predicting the current block with reference to a block or blocks in the current picture and stored in block memory 118 (also referred to as intra frame prediction). More specifically, intra predictor 124 generates an intra prediction signal by intra prediction with reference to samples (for example, luma and/or chroma values) of a block or blocks neighboring the current block, and then outputs the intra prediction signal to prediction controller 128.

For example, intra predictor 124 performs intra prediction by using one mode from among a plurality of predefined intra prediction modes. The intra prediction modes include one or more non-directional prediction modes and a plurality of directional prediction modes.

The one or more non-directional prediction modes include, for example, planar prediction mode and DC prediction mode defined in the H.265/high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) standard (see H.265 (ISO/IEC 23008-2 HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding))).

The plurality of directional prediction modes include, for example, the 33 directional prediction modes defined in the H.265/HEVC standard. Note that the plurality of directional prediction modes may further include 32 directional prediction modes in addition to the 33 directional prediction modes (for a total of 65 directional prediction modes). FIG. 5A illustrates 67 intra prediction modes used in intra prediction (two non-directional prediction modes and 65 directional prediction modes). The solid arrows represent the 33 directions defined in the H.265/HEVC standard, and the dashed arrows represent the additional 32 directions.

Note that a luma block may be referenced in chroma block intra prediction. In other words, a chroma component of the current block may be predicted based on a luma component of the current block. Such intra prediction is also referred to as cross-component linear model (CCLM) prediction. Such a chroma block intra prediction mode that references a luma block (referred to as, for example, CCLM mode) may be added as one of the chroma block intra prediction modes.

Intra predictor 124 may correct post-intra-prediction pixel values based on horizontal/vertical reference pixel gradients. Intra prediction accompanied by this sort of correcting is also referred to as position dependent intra prediction combination (PDPC). Information indicating whether to apply PDPC or not (referred to as, for example, a PDPC flag) is, for example, signalled at the CU level. Note that the signaling of this information need not be performed at the CU level, and may be performed at another level (for example, on the sequence level, picture level, slice level, tile level, or CTU level).

[Inter Predictor]

Inter predictor 126 generates a prediction signal (inter prediction signal) by inter predicting the current block with reference to a block or blocks in a reference picture, which is different from the current picture and is stored in frame memory 122 (also referred to as inter frame prediction). Inter prediction is performed per current block or per sub-block (for example, per 4×4 block) in the current block. For example, inter predictor 126 performs motion estimation in a reference picture for the current block or sub-block. Inter predictor 126 then generates an inter prediction signal of the current block or sub-block by motion compensation by using motion information (for example, a motion vector) obtained from motion estimation. Inter predictor 126 then outputs the generated inter prediction signal to prediction controller 128.

The motion information used in motion compensation is signalled. A motion vector predictor may be used for the signaling of the motion vector. In other words, the difference between the motion vector and the motion vector predictor may be signalled.

Note that the inter prediction signal may be generated using motion information for a neighboring block in addition to motion information for the current block obtained from motion estimation. More specifically, the inter prediction signal may be generated per sub-block in the current block by calculating a weighted sum of a prediction signal based on motion information obtained from motion estimation and a prediction signal based on motion information for a neighboring block. Such inter prediction (motion compensation) is also referred to as overlapped block motion compensation (OBMC).

In such an OBMC mode, information indicating sub-block size for OBMC (referred to as, for example, OBMC block size) is signalled at the sequence level. Moreover, information indicating whether to apply the OBMC mode or not (referred to as, for example, an OBMC flag) is signalled at the CU level. Note that the signaling of such information need not be performed at the sequence level and CU level, and may be performed at another level (for example, at the picture level, slice level, tile level, CTU level, or sub-block level).

Hereinafter, the OBMC mode will be described in further detail. FIG. 5B is a flowchart and FIG. 5C is a conceptual diagram for illustrating an outline of a prediction image correction process performed via OBMC processing.

First, a prediction image (Pred) is obtained through typical motion compensation using a motion vector (MV) assigned to the current block.

Next, a prediction image (Pred_L) is obtained by applying a motion vector (MV_L) of the encoded neighboring left block to the current block, and a first pass of the correction of the prediction image is made by superimposing the prediction image and Pred_L.

Similarly, a prediction image (Pred_U) is obtained by applying a motion vector (MV U) of the encoded neighboring upper block to the current block, and a second pass of the correction of the prediction image is made by superimposing the prediction image resulting from the first pass and Pred_U. The result of the second pass is the final prediction image.

Note that the above example is of a two-pass correction method using the neighboring left and upper blocks, but the method may be a three-pass or higher correction method that also uses the neighboring right and/or lower block.

Note that the region subject to superimposition may be the entire pixel region of the block, and, alternatively, may be a partial block boundary region.

Note that here, the prediction image correction process is described as being based on a single reference picture, but the same applies when a prediction image is corrected based on a plurality of reference pictures. In such a case, after corrected prediction images resulting from performing correction based on each of the reference pictures are obtained, the obtained corrected prediction images are further superimposed to obtain the final prediction image.

Note that the unit of the current block may be a prediction block and, alternatively, may be a sub-block obtained by further dividing the prediction block.

One example of a method for determining whether to implement OBMC processing is by using an obmc_flag, which is a signal that indicates whether to implement OBMC processing. As one specific example, the encoder determines whether the current block belongs to a region including complicated motion. The encoder sets the obmc_flag to a value of “1” when the block belongs to a region including complicated motion and implements OBMC processing when encoding, and sets the obmc_flag to a value of “0” when the block does not belong to a region including complication motion and encodes without implementing OBMC processing. The decoder switches between implementing OBMC processing or not by decoding the obmc_flag written in the stream and performing the decoding in accordance with the flag value.

Note that the motion information may be derived on the decoder side without being signalled. For example, a merge mode defined in the H.265/HEVC standard may be used. Moreover, for example, the motion information may be derived by performing motion estimation on the decoder side. In this case, motion estimation is performed without using the pixel values of the current block.

Here, a mode for performing motion estimation on the decoder side will be described. A mode for performing motion estimation on the decoder side is also referred to as pattern matched motion vector derivation (PMMVD) mode or frame rate up-conversion (FRUC) mode.

One example of FRUC processing is illustrated in FIG. 5D. First, a candidate list (a candidate list may be a merge list) of candidates each including a motion vector predictor is generated with reference to motion vectors of encoded blocks that spatially or temporally neighbor the current block. Next, the best candidate MV is selected from among a plurality of candidate MVs registered in the candidate list. For example, evaluation values for the candidates included in the candidate list are calculated and one candidate is selected based on the calculated evaluation values.

Next, a motion vector for the current block is derived from the motion vector of the selected candidate. More specifically, for example, the motion vector for the current block is calculated as the motion vector of the selected candidate (best candidate MV), as-is. Alternatively, the motion vector for the current block may be derived by pattern matching performed in the vicinity of a position in a reference picture corresponding to the motion vector of the selected candidate. In other words, when the vicinity of the best candidate MV is searched via the same method and an MV having a better evaluation value is found, the best candidate MV may be updated to the MV having the better evaluation value, and the MV having the better evaluation value may be used as the final MV for the current block. Note that a configuration in which this processing is not implemented is also acceptable.

The same processes may be performed in cases in which the processing is performed in units of sub-blocks.

Note that an evaluation value is calculated by calculating the difference in the reconstructed image by pattern matching performed between a region in a reference picture corresponding to a motion vector and a predetermined region. Note that the evaluation value may be calculated by using some other information in addition to the difference.

The pattern matching used is either first pattern matching or second pattern matching. First pattern matching and second pattern matching are also referred to as bilateral matching and template matching, respectively.

In the first pattern matching, pattern matching is performed between two blocks along the motion trajectory of the current block in two different reference pictures. Therefore, in the first pattern matching, a region in another reference picture conforming to the motion trajectory of the current block is used as the predetermined region for the above-described calculation of the candidate evaluation value.

FIG. 6 is for illustrating one example of pattern matching (bilateral matching) between two blocks along a motion trajectory. As illustrated in FIG. 6 , in the first pattern matching, two motion vectors (MV0, MV1) are derived by finding the best match between two blocks along the motion trajectory of the current block (Cur block) in two different reference pictures (Ref0, Ref1). More specifically, a difference between (i) a reconstructed image in a specified position in a first encoded reference picture (Ref0) specified by a candidate MV and (ii) a reconstructed picture in a specified position in a second encoded reference picture (Ref1) specified by a symmetrical MV scaled at a display time interval of the candidate MV may be derived, and the evaluation value for the current block may be calculated by using the derived difference. The candidate MV having the best evaluation value among the plurality of candidate MVs may be selected as the final MV.

Under the assumption of continuous motion trajectory, the motion vectors (MV0, MV1) pointing to the two reference blocks shall be proportional to the temporal distances (TD0, TD1) between the current picture (Cur Pic) and the two reference pictures (Ref0, Ref1). For example, when the current picture is temporally between the two reference pictures and the temporal distance from the current picture to the two reference pictures is the same, the first pattern matching derives a mirror based bi-directional motion vector.

In the second pattern matching, pattern matching is performed between a template in the current picture (blocks neighboring the current block in the current picture (for example, the top and/or left neighboring blocks)) and a block in a reference picture. Therefore, in the second pattern matching, a block neighboring the current block in the current picture is used as the predetermined region for the above-described calculation of the candidate evaluation value.

FIG. 7 is for illustrating one example of pattern matching (template matching) between a template in the current picture and a block in a reference picture. As illustrated in FIG. 7 , in the second pattern matching, a motion vector of the current block is derived by searching a reference picture (Ref0) to find the block that best matches neighboring blocks of the current block (Cur block) in the current picture (Cur Pic). More specifically, a difference between (i) a reconstructed image of an encoded region that is both or one of the neighboring left and neighboring upper region and (ii) a reconstructed picture in the same position in an encoded reference picture (Ref0) specified by a candidate MV may be derived, and the evaluation value for the current block may be calculated by using the derived difference. The candidate MV having the best evaluation value among the plurality of candidate MVs may be selected as the best candidate MV.

Information indicating whether to apply the FRUC mode or not (referred to as, for example, a FRUC flag) is signalled at the CU level. Moreover, when the FRUC mode is applied (for example, when the FRUC flag is set to true), information indicating the pattern matching method (first pattern matching or second pattern matching) is signalled at the CU level. Note that the signaling of such information need not be performed at the CU level, and may be performed at another level (for example, at the sequence level, picture level, slice level, tile level, CTU level, or sub-block level).

Here, a mode for deriving a motion vector based on a model assuming uniform linear motion will be described. This mode is also referred to as a bi-directional optical flow (BIO) mode.

FIG. 8 is for illustrating a model assuming uniform linear motion. In FIG. 8 , (v_(x), v_(y)) denotes a velocity vector, and τ₀ and τ₁ denote temporal distances between the current picture (Cur Pic) and two reference pictures (Ref₀, Ref₁). (MV_(X0), MV_(y0)) denotes a motion vector corresponding to reference picture Ref₀, and (MV_(X1), MV_(y1)) denotes a motion vector corresponding to reference picture Ref₁.

Here, under the assumption of uniform linear motion exhibited by velocity vector (v_(x), v_(y)), (MV_(X0), MV_(y0)) and (MV_(X1), MV_(y1)) are represented as (v_(x)τ₀, v_(y)τ₀) and (−v_(x)τ¹, −v_(y)τ₁), respectively, and the following optical flow equation is given. [Math. 1] ∂I ^((k)) /∂t+v _(x) ∂I ^((k)) /∂x+y _(y) ∂I ^((k)) /∂y=0.  (1)

Here, I^((k)) denotes a luma value from reference picture k (k=0, 1) after motion compensation. This optical flow equation shows that the sum of (i) the time derivative of the luma value, (ii) the product of the horizontal velocity and the horizontal component of the spatial gradient of a reference picture, and (iii) the product of the vertical velocity and the vertical component of the spatial gradient of a reference picture is equal to zero. A motion vector of each block obtained from, for example, a merge list is corrected pixel by pixel based on a combination of the optical flow equation and Hermite interpolation.

Note that a motion vector may be derived on the decoder side using a method other than deriving a motion vector based on a model assuming uniform linear motion. For example, a motion vector may be derived for each sub-block based on motion vectors of neighboring blocks.

Here, a mode in which a motion vector is derived for each sub-block based on motion vectors of neighboring blocks will be described. This mode is also referred to as affine motion compensation prediction mode.

FIG. 9A is for illustrating deriving a motion vector of each sub-block based on motion vectors of neighboring blocks. In FIG. 9A, the current block includes 16 4×4 sub-blocks. Here, motion vector v₀ of the top left corner control point in the current block is derived based on motion vectors of neighboring sub-blocks, and motion vector v₁ of the top right corner control point in the current block is derived based on motion vectors of neighboring blocks. Then, using the two motion vectors v₀ and v₁, the motion vector (v_(x), v_(y)) of each sub-block in the current block is derived using Equation 2 below.

$\begin{matrix} \left\lbrack {{Math}.\mspace{14mu} 2} \right\rbrack & \; \\ \left\{ \begin{matrix} {v_{x} = {{\frac{\left( {v_{1x} - v_{0x}} \right)}{w}x} - {\frac{\left( {v_{1y} - v_{0y}} \right)}{w}y} + v_{0x}}} \\ {v_{y} = {{\frac{\left( {v_{1y} - v_{0y}} \right)}{w}x} + {\frac{\left( {v_{1x} - v_{0x}} \right)w}{w}y} + v_{0y}}} \end{matrix} \right. & (2) \end{matrix}$

Here, x and y are the horizontal and vertical positions of the sub-block, respectively, and w is a predetermined weighted coefficient.

Such an affine motion compensation prediction mode may include a number of modes of different methods of deriving the motion vectors of the top left and top right corner control points. Information indicating such an affine motion compensation prediction mode (referred to as, for example, an affine flag) is signalled at the CU level. Note that the signaling of information indicating the affine motion compensation prediction mode need not be performed at the CU level, and may be performed at another level (for example, at the sequence level, picture level, slice level, tile level, CTU level, or sub-block level).

[Prediction Controller]

Prediction controller 128 selects either the intra prediction signal or the inter prediction signal, and outputs the selected prediction signal to subtractor 104 and adder 116.

Here, an example of deriving a motion vector via merge mode in a current picture will be given. FIG. 9B is for illustrating an outline of a process for deriving a motion vector via merge mode.

First, an MV predictor list in which candidate MV predictors are registered is generated. Examples of candidate MV predictors include: spatially neighboring MV predictors, which are MVs of encoded blocks positioned in the spatial vicinity of the current block; a temporally neighboring MV predictor, which is an MV of a block in an encoded reference picture that neighbors a block in the same location as the current block; a combined MV predictor, which is an MV generated by combining the MV values of the spatially neighboring MV predictor and the temporally neighboring MV predictor; and a zero MV predictor, which is an MV whose value is zero.

Next, the MV of the current block is determined by selecting one MV predictor from among the plurality of MV predictors registered in the MV predictor list.

Furthermore, in the variable-length encoder, a merge_idx, which is a signal indicating which MV predictor is selected, is written and encoded into the stream.

Note that the MV predictors registered in the MV predictor list illustrated in FIG. 9B constitute one example. The number of MV predictors registered in the MV predictor list may be different from the number illustrated in FIG. 9B, the MV predictors registered in the MV predictor list may omit one or more of the types of MV predictors given in the example in FIG. 9B, and the MV predictors registered in the MV predictor list may include one or more types of MV predictors in addition to and different from the types given in the example in FIG. 9B.

Note that the final MV may be determined by performing DMVR processing (to be described later) by using the MV of the current block derived via merge mode.

Here, an example of determining an MV by using DMVR processing will be given.

FIG. 9C is a conceptual diagram for illustrating an outline of DMVR processing.

First, the most appropriate MVP set for the current block is considered to be the candidate MV, reference pixels are obtained from a first reference picture, which is a picture processed in the L0 direction in accordance with the candidate MV, and a second reference picture, which is a picture processed in the L1 direction in accordance with the candidate MV, and a template is generated by calculating the average of the reference pixels.

Next, using the template, the surrounding regions of the candidate MVs of the first and second reference pictures are searched, and the MV with the lowest cost is determined to be the final MV. Note that the cost value is calculated using, for example, the difference between each pixel value in the template and each pixel value in the regions searched, as well as the MV value.

Note that the outlines of the processes described here are fundamentally the same in both the encoder and the decoder.

Note that processing other than the processing exactly as described above may be used, so long as the processing is capable of deriving the final MV by searching the surroundings of the candidate MV.

Here, an example of a mode that generates a prediction image by using LIC processing will be given.

FIG. 9D is for illustrating an outline of a prediction image generation method using a luminance correction process performed via LIC processing.

First, an MV is extracted for obtaining, from an encoded reference picture, a reference image corresponding to the current block.

Next, information indicating how the luminance value changed between the reference picture and the current picture is extracted and a luminance correction parameter is calculated by using the luminance pixel values for the encoded left neighboring reference region and the encoded upper neighboring reference region, and the luminance pixel value in the same location in the reference picture specified by the MV.

The prediction image for the current block is generated by performing a luminance correction process by using the luminance correction parameter on the reference image in the reference picture specified by the MV.

Note that the shape of the surrounding reference region illustrated in FIG. 9D is just one example; the surrounding reference region may have a different shape.

Moreover, although a prediction image is generated from a single reference picture in this example, in cases in which a prediction image is generated from a plurality of reference pictures as well, the prediction image is generated after performing a luminance correction process, via the same method, on the reference images obtained from the reference pictures.

One example of a method for determining whether to implement LIC processing is by using an lic_flag, which is a signal that indicates whether to implement LIC processing. As one specific example, the encoder determines whether the current block belongs to a region of luminance change. The encoder sets the lic_flag to a value of “1” when the block belongs to a region of luminance change and implements LIC processing when encoding, and sets the lic_flag to a value of “0” when the block does not belong to a region of luminance change and encodes without implementing LIC processing. The decoder switches between implementing LIC processing or not by decoding the lic_flag written in the stream and performing the decoding in accordance with the flag value.

One example of a different method of determining whether to implement LIC processing is determining so in accordance with whether LIC processing was determined to be implemented for a surrounding block. In one specific example, when merge mode is used on the current block, whether LIC processing was applied in the encoding of the surrounding encoded block selected upon deriving the MV in the merge mode processing may be determined, and whether to implement LIC processing or not can be switched based on the result of the determination. Note that in this example, the same applies to the processing performed on the decoder side.

[Decoder Outline]

Next, a decoder capable of decoding an encoded signal (encoded bitstream) output from encoder 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of decoder 200 according to Embodiment 1. Decoder 200 is a moving picture/picture decoder that decodes a moving picture/picture block by block.

As illustrated in FIG. 10 , decoder 200 includes entropy decoder 202, inverse quantizer 204, inverse transformer 206, adder 208, block memory 210, loop filter 212, frame memory 214, intra predictor 216, inter predictor 218, and prediction controller 220.

Decoder 200 is realized as, for example, a generic processor and memory. In this case, when a software program stored in the memory is executed by the processor, the processor functions as entropy decoder 202, inverse quantizer 204, inverse transformer 206, adder 208, loop filter 212, intra predictor 216, inter predictor 218, and prediction controller 220. Alternatively, decoder 200 may be realized as one or more dedicated electronic circuits corresponding to entropy decoder 202, inverse quantizer 204, inverse transformer 206, adder 208, loop filter 212, intra predictor 216, inter predictor 218, and prediction controller 220.

Hereinafter, each component included in decoder 200 will be described.

[Entropy Decoder]

Entropy decoder 202 entropy decodes an encoded bitstream. More specifically, for example, entropy decoder 202 arithmetic decodes an encoded bitstream into a binary signal. Entropy decoder 202 then debinarizes the binary signal. With this, entropy decoder 202 outputs quantized coefficients of each block to inverse quantizer 204.

[Inverse Quantizer]

Inverse quantizer 204 inverse quantizes quantized coefficients of a block to be decoded (hereinafter referred to as a current block), which are inputs from entropy decoder 202. More specifically, inverse quantizer 204 inverse quantizes quantized coefficients of the current block based on quantization parameters corresponding to the quantized coefficients. Inverse quantizer 204 then outputs the inverse quantized coefficients (i.e., transform coefficients) of the current block to inverse transformer 206.

[Inverse Transformer]

Inverse transformer 206 restores prediction errors by inverse transforming transform coefficients, which are inputs from inverse quantizer 204.

For example, when information parsed from an encoded bitstream indicates application of EMT or AMT (for example, when the AMT flag is set to true), inverse transformer 206 inverse transforms the transform coefficients of the current block based on information indicating the parsed transform type.

Moreover, for example, when information parsed from an encoded bitstream indicates application of NSST, inverse transformer 206 applies a secondary inverse transform to the transform coefficients.

[Adder]

Adder 208 reconstructs the current block by summing prediction errors, which are inputs from inverse transformer 206, and prediction samples, which is an input from prediction controller 220. Adder 208 then outputs the reconstructed block to block memory 210 and loop filter 212.

[Block Memory]

Block memory 210 is storage for storing blocks in a picture to be decoded (hereinafter referred to as a current picture) for reference in intra prediction. More specifically, block memory 210 stores reconstructed blocks output from adder 208.

[Loop Filter]

Loop filter 212 applies a loop filter to blocks reconstructed by adder 208, and outputs the filtered reconstructed blocks to frame memory 214 and, for example, a display device.

When information indicating the enabling or disabling of ALF parsed from an encoded bitstream indicates enabled, one filter from among a plurality of filters is selected based on direction and activity of local gradients, and the selected filter is applied to the reconstructed block.

[Frame Memory]

Frame memory 214 is storage for storing reference pictures used in inter prediction, and is also referred to as a frame buffer. More specifically, frame memory 214 stores reconstructed blocks filtered by loop filter 212.

[Intra Predictor]

Intra predictor 216 generates a prediction signal (intra prediction signal) by intra prediction with reference to a block or blocks in the current picture and stored in block memory 210. More specifically, intra predictor 216 generates an intra prediction signal by intra prediction with reference to samples (for example, luma and/or chroma values) of a block or blocks neighboring the current block, and then outputs the intra prediction signal to prediction controller 220.

Note that when an intra prediction mode in which a chroma block is intra predicted from a luma block is selected, intra predictor 216 may predict the chroma component of the current block based on the luma component of the current block.

Moreover, when information indicating the application of PDPC is parsed from an encoded bitstream, intra predictor 216 corrects post-intra-prediction pixel values based on horizontal/vertical reference pixel gradients.

[Inter Predictor]

Inter predictor 218 predicts the current block with reference to a reference picture stored in frame memory 214. Inter prediction is performed per current block or per sub-block (for example, per 4×4 block) in the current block. For example, inter predictor 218 generates an inter prediction signal of the current block or sub-block by motion compensation by using motion information (for example, a motion vector) parsed from an encoded bitstream, and outputs the inter prediction signal to prediction controller 220.

Note that when the information parsed from the encoded bitstream indicates application of OBMC mode, inter predictor 218 generates the inter prediction signal using motion information for a neighboring block in addition to motion information for the current block obtained from motion estimation.

Moreover, when the information parsed from the encoded bitstream indicates application of FRUC mode, inter predictor 218 derives motion information by performing motion estimation in accordance with the pattern matching method (bilateral matching or template matching) parsed from the encoded bitstream. Inter predictor 218 then performs motion compensation using the derived motion information.

Moreover, when BIO mode is to be applied, inter predictor 218 derives a motion vector based on a model assuming uniform linear motion. Moreover, when the information parsed from the encoded bitstream indicates that affine motion compensation prediction mode is to be applied, inter predictor 218 derives a motion vector of each sub-block based on motion vectors of neighboring blocks.

[Prediction Controller]

Prediction controller 220 selects either the intra prediction signal or the inter prediction signal, and outputs the selected prediction signal to adder 208.

Embodiment 2

The encoding process and decoding process according to Embodiment 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 , and the encoder and decoder according to Embodiment 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 .

[Encoding process]

FIG. 11 illustrates a video encoding process according to Embodiment 2.

First, in step S1001, a first parameter for identifying, from a plurality of partition modes, a partition mode for partitioning a first block into sub blocks is written into a bitstream. Using a partition mode will result in partitioning a block into sub blocks. Using different partition modes can result in partitioning a block into sub blocks with different shapes, or different heights, or different widths.

FIG. 28 illustrates examples of partition modes for partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block in Embodiment 2. In FIG. 28 , (a) to (h) show different partition modes. As illustrated in FIG. 28 , using partition mode (a) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block (value of ‘N’ can be any value in the range from 8 to 128 which are integer multiples of 4, for example a 16 pixels by 16 pixels block) into two N/2 pixels by N pixels sub blocks (for example, 8 pixels by 16 pixels sub blocks). Using partition mode (b) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block into a N/4 pixels by N pixels sub block and a 3N/4 pixels by N pixels sub block (for example, a 4 pixels by 16 pixels sub block and a 12 pixels by 16 pixels sub block). Using partition mode (c) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block into a 3N/4 pixels by N pixels sub block and a N/4 pixels by N pixels sub block (for example, a 12 pixels by 16 pixels sub block and a 4 pixels by 16 pixels sub block). Using partition mode (d) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block into a N/4 pixels by N pixels sub block, a N/2 pixels by N pixels sub block, and a N/4 pixels by N pixels sub block (for example, a 4 pixels by 16 pixels sub block, a 8 pixels by 16 pixels sub block and a 4 pixels by 16 pixels sub block). Using partition mode (e) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block into two N pixels by N/2 pixels sub blocks (for example, 16 pixels by 8 pixels sub blocks). Using partition mode (f) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block into a N pixels by N/4 pixels sub block and a N pixels by 3N/4 pixels sub block (for example, a 16 pixels by 4 pixels sub block and a 16 pixels by 12 pixels sub block). Using partition mode (g) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block into a N pixels by 3N/4 pixels sub block and a N pixels by N/4 pixels sub block (for example, a 16 pixels by 12 pixels sub block and a 16 pixels by 4 pixels sub block). Using partition mode (h) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block into a N pixels by N/4 pixels sub block, a N pixels by N/2 pixels sub block, and a N pixels by N/4 pixels sub block (for example, a 16 pixels by 4 pixels sub block, a 16 pixels by 8 pixels sub block and a 16 pixels by 4 pixels sub block).

Next, in step S1002, it is determined if a first parameter identifies a first partition mode.

Next, in step S1003, based on at least the determination whether the first parameter identifies a first partition mode, it is determined if a second partition mode is not to be selected as a candidate for partitioning a second block.

Two different sets of partition modes may split a block into sub blocks of same shapes and sizes. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 31A, sub blocks from (1 b) and (2 c) have same shapes and sizes. A set of partition modes can include at least two partition modes. For example, a set of partition modes can include a ternary tree vertical split followed by a binary tree vertical split on the center sub block and no split on other sub blocks as illustrated in (1 a) and (1 b) in FIG. 31A. Another set of partition modes, for example, can include a binary tree vertical split followed by a binary tree vertical split on both of the sub blocks as illustrated in (2 a), (2 b), and (2 c) in FIG. 31A. Both sets of partition modes will result in sub blocks of same shapes and sizes.

When selecting among two sets of partition modes that result in splitting a block into sub blocks of same shapes and sizes and each sets of partition modes, when encoded in a bit stream, have different number of bins or different number of bits, the set of partition modes that has fewer number of bins or fewer number of bits is selected among the two sets. Note that the number of bins and the number of bits is equivalent to the amount of code.

When selecting among two sets of partition modes that result in splitting a block into sub blocks of same shapes and sizes and each of the sets of partition modes, when encoded in a bit stream, have the same number of bins or same number of bits, the set of partition modes that appears first in a predetermined order of a plurality of sets of partition modes is selected among the two sets. An example of the predetermined order may be an order based on the number of partition modes in each set of partition modes.

FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B illustrate an example of splitting a block into sub blocks using a set of partition modes with fewer bins in the encoding partition modes. In this example, when the left N pixels by N pixels block is vertically split into two sub blocks, the second partition mode in step (2 c), for the right N pixels by N pixels block is not selected. This is because, in the partition mode encoding method in FIG. 31B, the second set of partition modes (2 a, 2 b, 2 c) will require more bins for the encoding of the partition mode as compared to the first set of partition modes (1 a, 1 b).

FIG. 32A to FIG. 32C illustrate an example of splitting a block into sub blocks using a set of partition modes that appears first in a predetermined order of a plurality of sets of partition modes. In this example, when the top 2N pixels by N/2 pixels block is vertically split into three sub blocks, the second partition mode in step (2 c), for the bottom 2N pixels by N/2 pixels block is not selected. This is because, in the partition mode encoding method in FIG. 32B, the second set of partition modes (2 a, 2 b, 2 c) has the same number of bins as the first set of partition modes (1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d) and appears after the first set of partition modes (1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d) in the predetermined order of sets of partitions modes in FIG. 32C. The predetermined order of the plurality sets of partition modes can be fixed or signalled in a bitstream.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example in which a second partition mode is not selected for partitioning a 2N pixels by N pixels block, as illustrated in step (2 c), in Embodiment 2. As illustrated in FIG. 20 , a 2N pixels by 2N pixels block (for example, a 16 pixels by 16 pixels block) can be split into four equal sub blocks of size N pixels by N pixels (for example, 8 pixels by 8 pixels) using a first way of splitting (i), as in step (1 a). Furthermore, a 2N pixels by 2N pixels block can also be split into two equal sub blocks of size 2N pixels by N pixels (for example, 16 pixels by 8 pixels) using a second way of splitting (2 a), as in step (2 a). During the second way of splitting (ii), when first partition mode splits the top 2N pixels by N pixels block (first block) vertically into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks as in step (2 b), the second partition mode which vertically splits the bottom 2N pixels by N pixels block (second block) into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks in step (2 c) is not selected as a candidate for possible partition mode. This is because the second partition mode will produce sub blocks sizes same as the quad split sub block sizes from the first way of splitting (i).

In this manner, in FIG. 20 , when the first block is vertically split into two equal sub blocks if the first partition mode is used, and the second block vertically neighboring the first block is vertically split into two equal sub blocks if the second partition mode is used, the second partition mode is not selected as a candidate.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example in which a second partition mode is not selected for partitioning a N pixels by 2N pixels block, as illustrated in step (2 c), in Embodiment 2. As illustrated in FIG. 21 , a 2N pixels by 2N pixels block can be split into four equal sub blocks of N pixels by N pixels using the first way of splitting (i). Furthermore, as in step (2 a), a 2N pixels by 2N pixels block can also be vertically split into two equal sub blocks of N pixels by 2N pixels (for example, 8 pixels by 16 pixels) using the second way of splitting (ii). During the second way of splitting (ii), when first partition mode splits the left N pixels by 2N pixels block (first block) horizontally into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks as in step (2 b), the second partition mode which horizontally splits the right N pixels by 2N pixels block (second block) into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks in step (2 c) is not selected as a candidate for possible partition mode. This is because the second partition mode will produce sub blocks sizes same as the quad split sub block sizes from the first way of splitting (i).

In this manner, in FIG. 21 , when the first block is horizontally split into two equal sub blocks if the first partition mode is used, and the second block horizontally neighboring the first block is horizontally split into two equal sub blocks if the second partition mode is used, the second partition mode is not selected as a candidate.

FIG. 40 illustrates an example in which a 4N×2N partition in FIG. 20 is split in three in a 1:2:1 ratio such as N×2N, 2N×2N, and N×2N. Here, when the upper block is to be split in three, a partition mode for splitting the lower block in three in a 1:2:1 ratio is not selected as a candidate for possible partition mode. The splitting into three may be performed in a ratio different from 1:2:1. In addition, splitting into more than 3 may be performed, and, even when splitting into two, the ratio may be different from 1:1, such as 1:2 or 1:3. Although FIG. 40 illustrates an example of splitting horizontally first, the same restriction can also be applied when splitting vertically first.

FIG. 41 and FIG. 42 illustrate an example in which the same restriction is applied in the case where the first block is a rectangle.

FIG. 43 illustrates an example of a second restriction when a square is horizontally split in three and further horizontally split into two equal parts. When applying the restriction in FIG. 43 , in FIG. 40 , it is possible to select a partition mode for splitting the 4N×2N lower block in three in a 1:2:3 ratio. Information indicating which of the restriction in FIG. 40 and the restriction in FIG. 43 is to be applied may be separately encoded in header information. Alternatively, the restriction having a smaller amount of code of information indicating the partition may be applied. For example, assuming that the amount of codes of information indicating the partition in case 1 and case 2 is as shown below, the splitting of case 1 is enabled and the splitting of case 2 is disabled. In other words, the restriction in FIG. 43 is applied.

(Case 1) (1) After a square is horizontally split into two, (2) each of the two rectangular blocks at the top and bottom is vertically split into three: (1) direction information: 1 bit, number-of-partitions information: 1 bit, (2) (direction information: 1 bit, number-of-partitions information: 1 bit)×2 for a total of 6 bits (Case 2) (1) After a square is vertically split, (2) each of left, center, and right rectangular blocks is horizontally split in two: (1) direction information: 1 bit, number-of-partitions information: 1 bit, (2) (direction information: 1 bit, number-of-partitions information: 1 bit)×3 for a total of 8 bits

Alternatively, during encoding, there are instances where the appropriate partition is determined while selecting a partition mode in a predetermined order. For example, it is possible to try splitting into two, then try splitting into three or splitting into four (2 equal parts horizontally and vertically), etc. At this time, before the trial for splitting into three as in FIG. 43 , a trial that starts from splitting into two as in the examples in FIG. 40 has already been performed. Therefore, in a trial that starts from splitting into two, the restriction in FIG. 43 is applied because partitions resulting from equally splitting a block horizontally, and further vertically splitting the two blocks at the top and bottom into three is already obtained. In this manner, the restriction method to be selected may be determined based on a predetermined encoding scheme.

FIG. 44 illustrates an example where, in the second partitioning mode, the selectable partition modes for partitioning the second block in the same direction as the first partition mode are restricted. Here, the first partition mode is vertically splitting into three, and thus, at this time, splitting into two cannot be selected as the second partition mode. On the other hand, splitting into two can be selected for the vertical direction which is a different direction from the first partition mode (FIG. 45 ).

FIG. 22 illustrates an example in which a second partition mode is not selected for partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block, as illustrated in step (2 c), in Embodiment 2. As illustrated in FIG. 22 , a 2N pixels by N pixels (value of ‘N’ can be any value in the range from 8 to 128 which are integer multiples of 4, for example, 16 pixels by 8 pixels) block can be split vertically into a N/2 pixels by N pixels sub block, a N pixels by N pixels sub block, and a N/2 pixels by N pixels sub block (for example, a 4 pixels by 8 pixels sub block, a 8 pixels by 8 pixels sub block, a 4 pixels by 8 pixels sub block), using the first way of splitting (i), as in step (1 a). Furthermore, a 2N pixels by N pixels block can also be split into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks using the second way of splitting (ii), as in step (2 a). During the first way of splitting (i), the center N pixels by N pixels block can be vertically split into two N/2 pixels by N pixels (for example, 4 pixels by 8 pixels) sub blocks in step (1 b). During the second way of splitting (ii), when the left N pixels by N pixels block (first block) is vertically split into two N/2 pixels by N pixels sub blocks as in step (2 b), a partition mode which vertically splits the right N pixels by N pixels block (second block) into two N/2 pixels by N pixels sub blocks in step (2 c) is not selected as a candidate for possible partition mode. This is because, the partition mode will produce sub blocks sizes which are the same as that obtained from the first way of splitting (i), or four N/2 pixels by N pixels sub blocks.

In this manner, in FIG. 22 , when the first block is vertically split into two equal sub blocks if the first partition mode is used, and the second block horizontally neighboring the first block is vertically split into two equal sub blocks if the second partition mode is used, the second partition mode is not selected as a candidate.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example in which a second partition mode is not selected for partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block, as illustrated in step (2 c), in Embodiment 2. As illustrated in FIG. 23 , a N pixels by 2N pixels (value of ‘N’ can be any value in the range from 8 to 128 which are integer multiples of 4, for example, 8 pixels by 16 pixels) block can be split into a N pixels by N/2 pixels sub block, a N pixels by N pixels sub block, and a N pixels by N/2 pixels sub block (for example, a 8 pixels by 4 pixels sub block, a 8 pixels by 8 pixels sub block, a 8 pixels by 4 pixels sub block) using the first way of splitting (i), as in step (1 a). Furthermore, a N pixels by 2N pixels block can also be split into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks using the second way of splitting, as in step (2 a). During the first way of splitting (i), the center N pixels by N pixels block can be horizontally split into two N pixels by N/2 pixels sub blocks, as in step (1 b). During the second way of splitting (ii), when the top N pixels by N pixels (first block) is horizontally split into two N pixels by N/2 pixels sub blocks in step (2 b), a partition mode which horizontally splits the bottom N pixels by N pixels (second block) into two N pixels by N/2 pixels sub blocks in step (2 c) is not selected as a candidate for possible partition mode. This is because, the partition mode will produce sub blocks sizes which are the same as that obtained from the first way of splitting (i), or four N pixels by N/2 pixels sub blocks.

In this manner, in FIG. 23 , when the first block is horizontally split into two equal sub blocks if the first partition mode is used, and the second block vertically neighboring the first block is horizontally split into two equal sub blocks if the second partition mode is used, the second partition mode is not selected as a candidate.

If it is determined that the second partition mode is to be selected as a candidate for partitioning a second block (N in S1003), a partition mode is selected from a plurality of partition modes which include the second partition mode as a candidate in step S1004. In step S1005, a second parameter indicating the selection result is written into a bitstream.

If it is determined that the second partition mode is not to be selected as a candidate for partitioning a second block (Y in S1003), a partition mode different from the second partition mode is selected for partitioning the second block in step S1006. Here, the selected partition mode partitions a block into sub blocks with different shapes or different sizes as compared to sub blocks that would have been generated by the second partition mode.

FIG. 24 illustrates an example of partitioning a 2N pixels by N pixels block using a partition mode selected when the second partition mode is not to be selected, as illustrated in step (3), in Embodiment 2. As illustrated in FIG. 24 , the selected partition mode can split a current 2N pixels by N pixels block (the bottom block in this example) into three sub blocks as illustrated in (c) and (f) in FIG. 24 . The sizes of the three sub blocks may be different. For example, among the three sub blocks, a large sub block may have two times the width/height of a small sub block. Furthermore, for example, the selected partition mode can split the current block into two sub blocks with different sizes (asymmetrical binary tree) as illustrated in (a), (b), (d), and (e) in FIG. 24 . For example, when an asymmetrical binary tree is used, the large sub block can have three times the width/height of the small sub block.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example of partitioning a N pixels by 2N pixels block using a partition mode selected when the second partition mode is not to be selected, as illustrated in step (3), in Embodiment 2. As illustrated in FIG. 25 , the selected partition mode can split the current N pixels by 2N pixels block (the right block in this example) into three sub blocks as illustrated in (c) and (f) in FIG. 25 . The sizes of the three sub blocks may be different. For example, among the three sub blocks, a large sub block may have two times the width/height of a small sub block. Furthermore, for example, the selected partition mode can split the current block into two sub blocks with different sizes (asymmetrical binary tree) as illustrated in (a), (b), (d), and (e) in FIG. 25 . For example, when an asymmetrical binary tree is used, the large sub block can have three times the width/height of the small sub block.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example of partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block using a partition mode selected when the second partition mode is not to be selected, as illustrated in step (3), in Embodiment 2. As illustrated in FIG. 26 , a 2N pixels by N pixels block is vertically split into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks in step (1), and the left N pixels by N pixels block is vertically split into two N/2 pixels by N pixels sub blocks in step (2). In step (3), a current block can be partitioned into three sub blocks using a partition mode selected for a N pixels by N pixels current block (the left block in this example), as illustrated in (c) and (f) in FIG. 26 . The sizes of the three sub blocks may be different. For example, among the three sub blocks, a large sub block may have two times the width/height of a small sub block. Furthermore, for example, the selected partition mode can split the current block into two sub blocks with different sizes (asymmetrical binary tree) as illustrated in (a), (b), (d), and (e) in FIG. 26 . For example, when an asymmetrical binary tree is used, the large sub block can have three times the width/height of the small sub block.

FIG. 27 illustrates an example of partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block using a partition mode selected when the second partition mode is not to be selected, as illustrated in step (3), in Embodiment 2. As illustrated in FIG. 27 , a N pixels by 2N pixels block is horizontally split into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks in step (1), and the top N pixels by N pixels block is horizontally split into two N pixels by N/2 pixels sub blocks in step (2). In step (3), a current block can be partitioned into three sub blocks using a partition mode selected for a N pixels by N pixels current block (the bottom block in this example), as illustrated in (c) and (f) in FIG. 27 . The sizes of the three sub blocks may be different. For example, among the three sub blocks, a large sub block may have two times the width/height of a small sub block. Furthermore, for example, the selected partition mode can split the current block into two sub blocks with different sizes (asymmetrical binary tree) as illustrated in (a), (b), (d), and (e) in FIG. 27 . For example, when an asymmetrical binary tree is used, the large sub block can have three times the width/height of the small sub block.

FIG. 17 illustrates the possible locations of the first parameter in a compressed video bitstream. As illustrated in FIG. 17 , the first parameter can be in a video parameter set, a sequence parameter set, a picture parameter set, a slice header, or a coding tree unit. The first parameter can indicate the way for partitioning a block into a plurality of sub blocks. For example, the first parameter can include a flag to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned in horizontal or vertical direction. The first parameter can also include a parameter to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned into two or more sub blocks.

FIG. 18 illustrates the possible locations of the second parameter in a compressed video bitstream. As illustrated in FIG. 18 , the second parameter can be in a video parameter set, a sequence parameter set, a picture parameter set, a slice header, or a coding tree unit. The second parameter can indicate the way for partitioning a block into a plurality of sub blocks. For example, the second parameter can include a flag to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned in a horizontal or vertical direction. The second parameter can also include a parameter to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned into two or more sub blocks. The second parameter follows after the first parameter in a bitstream as illustrated in FIG. 19 .

The first block and the second block are different blocks. The first block and the second block can be included in the same frame. For example, the first block may be the top neighboring block to the second block. Furthermore, for example, the first block may be the left neighboring block to the second block.

In step S1007, the second block is partitioned into sub blocks using the selected partition mode. In step S1008, the partitioned blocks are encoded.

[Encoder]

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a video/image encoder according to Embodiment 2 or 3.

Video encoder 5000 is an apparatus for encoding an input video/image on a block-by-block basis so as to generate an encoded output bit stream. As illustrated in FIG. 15 , video encoder 5000 includes transformer 5001, quantizer 5002, inverse quantizer 5003, inverse transformer 5004, block memory 5005, frame memory 5006, intra predictor 5007, inter predictor 5008, entropy encoder 5009, and block partition determiner 5010.

An input video is inputted to an adder, and the added value is outputted to transformer 5001. Transformer 5001 transforms the added values into frequency coefficients based on the block partition mode derived from block partition determiner 5010, and outputs the frequency coefficients to quantizer 5002. The block partition mode can be related to a block partition mode, a block partition type, or a block partition direction. Quantizer 5002 quantizes the inputted quantized coefficients, and outputs the quantized values to inverse quantizer 5003 and entropy encoder 5009.

Inverse quantizer 5003 inversely quantizes the quantized values outputted from quantizer 5002, and outputs the frequency coefficients to inverse transformer 5004. Inverse transformer 5004 performs inverse frequency transform on the frequency coefficients based on the block partition mode derived from block partition determiner 5010, so as to transform the frequency coefficients into sample values of the bit stream, and outputs the sample values to an adder.

The adder adds the sample values of the bit stream outputted from inverse transformer 5004 to the predicted video/image values outputted from inter/intra predictor 5007, 5008, and outputs the added values to block memory 5005 or frame memory 5006 for further prediction. Block partition determiner 5010 collects block information from block memory 5005 or frame memory 5006 to derive a block partition mode and parameters related to the block partition mode. Using the derived block partition mode will result in partitioning a block into a plurality of sub blocks. Inter/intra predictor 5007, 5008 searches within videos/images stored in block memory 5005 or from videos/images in frame memory 5006 reconstructed using the block partition mode derived from block partition determiner 5010, and estimates a video/image area which is for example most similar to the input videos/images for prediction.

Entropy encoder 5009 encodes the quantized values outputted from quantizer 5002, encodes parameters from block partition determiner 5010, and outputs a bit stream.

[Decoding Process]

FIG. 12 illustrates a video decoding process according to Embodiment 2.

First, in step S2001, a first parameter for identifying, from a plurality of partition modes, a partition mode for partitioning a first block into sub blocks is parsed from a bitstream. Using a partition mode will result in partitioning a block into sub blocks, and using different partition modes can result in partitioning a block into sub blocks with different shapes, or different heights, or different widths.

FIG. 28 illustrates examples of partition modes for partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block in Embodiment 2. In FIG. 28 , (a) to (h) show different partition modes. As illustrated in FIG. 28 , using partition mode (a) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block (value of ‘N’ can be any value in the range from 8 to 128 which are integer multiples of 4, for example a 16 pixels by 16 pixels block) into two N/2 pixels by N pixels sub blocks (for example, 8 pixels by 16 pixels sub blocks). Using partition mode (b) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block into a N/4 pixels by N pixels sub block and a 3N/4 pixels by N pixels sub block (for example, a 4 pixels by 16 pixels sub block and a 12 pixels by 16 pixels sub block). Using partition mode (c) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block into a 3N/4 pixels by N pixels sub block and a N/4 pixels by N pixels sub block (for example, a 12 pixels by 16 pixels sub block and a 4 pixels by 16 pixels sub block). Using partition mode (d) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block into a N/4 pixels by N pixels sub block, a N/2 pixels by N pixels sub block, and a N/4 pixels by N pixels sub block (for example, a 4 pixels by 16 pixels sub block, a 8 pixels by 16 pixels sub block and a 4 pixels by 16 pixels sub block). Using partition mode (e) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block into two N pixels by N/2 pixels sub blocks (for example, 16 pixels by 8 pixels sub blocks). Using partition mode (f) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block into a N pixels by N/4 pixels sub block and a N pixels by 3N/4 pixels sub block (for example, a 16 pixels by 4 pixels sub block and a 16 pixels by 12 pixels sub block). Using partition mode (g) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block into a N pixels by 3N/4 pixels sub block and a N pixels by N/4 pixels sub block (for example, a 16 pixels by 12 pixels sub block and a 16 pixels by 4 pixels sub block). Using partition mode (h) will partition a N pixels by N pixels block into a N pixels by N/4 pixels sub block, a N pixels by N/2 pixels sub block, and a N pixels by N/4 pixels sub block (for example, a 16 pixels by 4 pixels sub block, a 16 pixels by 8 pixels sub block and a 16 pixels by 4 pixels sub block).

Next, in step S2002, it is determined whether a first parameter identifies a first partition mode.

Next, in step S2003, based on at least the determination as to whether the first parameter identified a first partition mode, it is determined if second partition mode is not to be selected as a candidate for partitioning a second block.

The two different sets of partition modes may partition a block into sub blocks of the same shapes and sizes. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 31A, sub blocks from (1 b) and (2 c) have same shapes and sizes. A set of partition modes can include at least two partition modes. For example, a set of partition modes can include a ternary tree vertical split followed by a binary tree vertical split on the center sub block and no split on other sub blocks as illustrated in (1 a) and (1 b) in FIG. 31A. Furthermore, for example, another set of partition modes can include a binary tree vertical split followed by a binary tree vertical split on both of the sub blocks, as illustrated in (2 a), (2 b), and (2 c) in FIG. 31A. Both sets of partition modes will result in sub blocks of same shapes and sizes.

When selecting among two sets of partition modes that result in splitting a block into sub blocks of same shapes and sizes and each sets of partition modes, when encoded in a bit stream, have different number of bins or different number of bits, the set of partition modes that has fewer number of bins or fewer number of bits is selected among the two sets.

When selecting among two sets of partition modes that result in splitting a block into sub blocks of same shapes and sizes and each sets of partition modes, when encoded in a bit stream, have the same number of bins or same number of bits, the set of partition modes that appears first in a predetermined order of a plurality of sets of partition modes is selected among the two sets. An example of the predetermined order may be an order based on the number of partition modes in each set of partition modes.

FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B illustrate an example of splitting a block into sub blocks using a set of partition modes with fewer bins in the encoding partition modes. In this example, when the left N pixels by N pixels block is vertically split into two sub blocks, the second partition mode in step (2 c), for the right N pixels by N pixels block is not selected. This is because, in the partition mode encoding method in FIG. 31B, the second set of partition modes (2 a, 2 b, 2 c) will require more bins from encoding partition modes as compared to the first set of partition modes (1 a, 1 b).

FIG. 32A illustrates an example of splitting a block into sub blocks using a set of partition modes that appears first in a predetermined order of a plurality of sets of partition modes. In this example, when the top 2N pixels by N/2 pixels block is vertically split into three sub blocks, the second partition mode in step (2 c), for the bottom 2N pixels by N/2 pixels block is not selected. This is because, in the partition mode encoding method in FIG. 32B, the second set of partition modes (2 a, 2 b, 2 c) has the same number of bins as the first set of partition modes (1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d) and appears after the first set of partition modes (1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d) in the predetermined order of sets of partitions modes in FIG. 32C. The predetermined order of the plurality sets of partition modes can be fixed or signalled in a bitstream.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example in which a second partition mode is not selected for partitioning a 2N pixels by N pixels block, as illustrated in step (2 c), in Embodiment 1. As illustrated in FIG. 20 , a 2N pixels by 2N pixels block (for example, a 16 pixels by 16 pixels block) can be split into four equal sub blocks of size N pixels by N pixels (for example, 8 pixels by 8 pixels) using a first way of splitting (i), as in step (1 a). Furthermore, a 2N pixels by 2N pixels block can also be split into two equal sub blocks of size 2N pixels by N pixels (for example, 16 pixels by 8 pixels) using a second way of splitting (2 a), as in step (2 a). During the second way of splitting (ii), when first partition mode splits the top 2N pixels by N pixels block (first block) vertically into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks as in step (2 b), the second partition mode which vertically splits the bottom 2N pixels by N pixels block (second block) into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks in step (2 c) is not selected as a candidate for possible partition mode. This is because the second partition mode will produce sub blocks sizes same as the quad split sub block sizes from the first way of splitting (i).

In this manner, in FIG. 20 , when the first block is vertically split into two equal sub blocks if the first partition mode is used, and the second block vertically neighboring the first block is vertically split into two equal sub blocks if the second partition mode is used, the second partition mode is not selected as a candidate.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example in which a second partition mode is not selected for partitioning a N pixels by 2N pixels block, as illustrated in step (2 c), in Embodiment 2. As illustrated in FIG. 21 , a 2N pixels by 2N pixels block can be split into four equal sub blocks of N pixels by N pixels using the first way of splitting (i). Furthermore, as in step (2 a), a 2N pixels by 2N pixels block can also be vertically split into two equal sub blocks of N pixels by 2N pixels (for example, 8 pixels by 16 pixels) using the second way of splitting (ii). During the second way of splitting (ii), when first partition mode splits the left N pixels by 2N pixels block (first block) horizontally into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks as in step (2 b), the second partition mode which horizontally splits the right N pixels by 2N pixels block (second block) into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks in step (2 c) is not selected as a candidate for possible partition mode. This is because the second partition mode will produce sub blocks sizes same as the quad split sub block sizes from the first way of splitting (i).

In this manner, in FIG. 21 , when the first block is horizontally split into two equal sub blocks if the first partition mode is used, and the second block horizontally neighboring the first block is horizontally split into two equal sub blocks if the second partition mode is used, the second partition mode is not selected as a candidate.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example in which a second partition mode is not selected for partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block, as illustrated in step (2 c), in Embodiment 2. As illustrated in FIG. 22 , a 2N pixels by N pixels (value of ‘N’ can be any value in the range from 8 to 128 which are integer multiples of 4, for example, 16 pixels by 8 pixels) block can be split vertically into a N/2 pixels by N pixels sub block, a N pixels by N pixels sub block, and a N/2 pixels by N pixels sub block (for example, a 4 pixels by 8 pixels sub block, a 8 pixels by 8 pixels sub block, a 4 pixels by 8 pixels sub block), using the first way of splitting (i), as in step (1 a). Furthermore, a 2N pixels by N pixels block can also be split into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks using the second way of splitting (ii), as in step (2 a). During the first way of splitting (i), the center N pixels by N pixels block can be vertically split into two N/2 pixels by N pixels (for example, 4 pixels by 8 pixels) sub blocks in step (1 b). During the second way of splitting (ii), when the left N pixels by N pixels block (first block) is vertically split into two N/2 pixels by N pixels sub blocks as in step (2 b), a partition mode which vertically splits the right N pixels by N pixels block (second block) into two N/2 pixels by N pixels sub blocks in step (2 c) is not selected as a candidate for possible partition mode. This is because, the partition mode will produce sub blocks sizes which are the same as that obtained from the first way of splitting (i), or four N/2 pixels by N pixels sub blocks.

In this manner, in FIG. 22 , when the first block is vertically split into two equal sub blocks if the first partition mode is used, and the second block horizontally neighboring the first block is vertically split into two equal sub blocks if the second partition mode is used, the second partition mode is not selected as a candidate.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example in which a second partition mode is not selected for partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block, as illustrated in step (2 c), in Embodiment 2. As illustrated in FIG. 23 , a N pixels by 2N pixels (value of ‘N’ can be any value in the range from 8 to 128 which are integer multiples of 4, for example, 8 pixels by 16 pixels) block can be split into a N pixels by N/2 pixels sub block, a N pixels by N pixels sub block, and a N pixels by N/2 pixels sub block (for example, a 8 pixels by 4 pixels sub block, a 8 pixels by 8 pixels sub block, a 8 pixels by 4 pixels sub block) using the first way of splitting (i), as in step (1 a). Furthermore, a N pixels by 2N pixels block can also be split into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks using the second way of splitting, as in step (2 a). During the first way of splitting (i), the center N pixels by N pixels block can be horizontally split into two N pixels by N/2 pixels sub blocks, as in step (1 b). During the second way of splitting (ii), when the top N pixels by N pixels (first block) is horizontally split into two N pixels by N/2 pixels sub blocks in step (2 b), a partition mode which horizontally splits the bottom N pixels by N pixels (second block) into two N pixels by N/2 pixels sub blocks in step (2 c) is not selected as a candidate for possible partition mode. This is because, the partition mode will produce sub blocks sizes which are the same as that obtained from the first way of splitting (i), or four N pixels by N/2 pixels sub blocks.

In this manner, in FIG. 23 , when the first block is horizontally split into two equal sub blocks if the first partition mode is used, and the second block vertically neighboring the first block is horizontally split into two equal sub blocks if the second partition mode is used, the second partition mode is not selected as a candidate.

If it is determined that the second partition mode is to be selected as a candidate for partitioning a second block (N in S2003), the second parameter is parsed from the bitstream and a partition mode is selected from a plurality of partition modes which include the second partition mode as a candidate in step S2004.

If it is determined that the second partition mode is not to be selected as a candidate for partitioning the second block (Y in S2003), a partition mode different from the second partition mode is selected for partitioning the second block in step S2005. Here, the selected partition mode partitions a block into sub blocks with different shapes or different sizes as compared to sub blocks that would have been generated by the second partition mode.

FIG. 24 illustrates an example of partitioning a 2N pixels by N pixels block using a partition mode selected when the second partition mode is not to be selected, as illustrated in step (3), in Embodiment 2. As illustrated in FIG. 24 , the selected partition mode can split a current 2N pixels by N pixels block (the bottom block in this example) into three sub blocks as illustrated in (c) and (f) in FIG. 24 . The sizes of the three sub blocks may be different. For example, among the three sub blocks, a large sub block may have two times the width/height of a small sub block. Furthermore, for example, the selected partition mode can split the current block into two sub blocks with different sizes (asymmetrical binary tree) as illustrated in (a), (b), (d), and (e) in FIG. 24 . For example, when an asymmetrical binary tree is used, the large sub block can have three times the width/height of the small sub block.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example of partitioning a N pixels by 2N pixels block using a partition mode selected when the second partition mode is not to be selected, as illustrated in step (3), in Embodiment 2. As illustrated in FIG. 25 , the selected partition mode can split the current N pixels by 2N pixels block (the right block in this example) into three sub blocks as illustrated in (c) and (f) in FIG. 25 . The sizes of the three sub blocks may be different. For example, among the three sub blocks, a large sub block may have two times the width/height of a small sub block. Furthermore, for example, the selected partition mode can split the current block into two sub blocks with different sizes (asymmetrical binary tree) as illustrated in (a), (b), (d), and (e) in FIG. 25 . For example, when an asymmetrical binary tree is used, the large sub block can have three times the width/height of the small sub block.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example of partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block using a partition mode selected when the second partition mode is not to be selected, as illustrated in step (3), in Embodiment 2. As illustrated in FIG. 26 , a 2N pixels by N pixels block is vertically split into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks in step (1), and the left N pixels by N pixels block is vertically split into two N/2 pixels by N pixels sub blocks in step (2). In step (3), a current block can be partitioned into three sub blocks using a partition mode selected for a N pixels by N pixels current block (the left block in this example), as illustrated in (c) and (f) in FIG. 26 . The sizes of the three sub blocks may be different. For example, among the three sub blocks, a large sub block may have two times the width/height of a small sub block. Furthermore, for example, the selected partition mode can split the current block into two sub blocks with different sizes (asymmetrical binary tree) as illustrated in (a), (b), (d), and (e) in FIG. 26 . For example, when an asymmetrical binary tree is used, the large sub block can have three times the width/height of the small sub block.

FIG. 27 illustrates an example of partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block using a partition mode selected when the second partition mode is not to be selected, as illustrated in step (3), in Embodiment 2. As illustrated in FIG. 27 , a N pixels by 2N pixels block is horizontally split into two N pixels by N pixels sub blocks in step (1), and the top N pixels by N pixels block is horizontally split into two N pixels by N/2 pixels sub blocks in step (2). In step (3), a current block can be partitioned into three sub blocks using a partition mode selected for a N pixels by N pixels current block (the bottom block in this example), as illustrated in (c) and (f) in FIG. 27 . The sizes of the three sub blocks may be different. For example, among the three sub blocks, a large sub block may have two times the width/height of a small sub block. Furthermore, for example, the selected partition mode can split the current block into two sub blocks with different sizes (asymmetrical binary tree) as illustrated in (a), (b), (d), and (e) in FIG. 27 . For example, when an asymmetrical binary tree is used, the large sub block can have three times the width/height of the small sub block.

FIG. 17 illustrates the possible locations of the first parameter in a compressed video bitstream. As illustrated in FIG. 17 , the first parameter can be in a video parameter set, a sequence parameter set, a picture parameter set, a slice header, or a coding tree unit. The first parameter can indicate the way for partitioning a block into a plurality of sub blocks. For example, the first parameter can include a flag to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned in a horizontal or vertical direction. The first parameter can also include a parameter to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned into two or more sub blocks.

FIG. 18 illustrates the possible locations of the second parameter in a compressed video bitstream. As illustrated in FIG. 18 , the second parameter can be in a video parameter set, a sequence parameter set, a picture parameter set, a slice header, or a coding tree unit. The second parameter can indicate the way for partitioning a block into a plurality of sub blocks. For example, the second parameter can include a flag to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned in a horizontal or vertical direction. The second parameter can also include a parameter to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned into two or more sub blocks. The second parameter follows after the first parameter in a bitstream as illustrated in FIG. 19 .

The first block and the second block are different blocks. The first block and the second block may be included in the same frame. For example, the first block may be the top neighboring block to the second block. Furthermore, for example, the first block may be the left neighboring block to the second block.

In step S2006, the second block is partitioned into sub blocks using the selected partition mode. In step S2007, the partitioned blocks are decoded.

[Decoder]

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a video/image decoder according to Embodiment 2 or 3.

Video decoder 6000 is an apparatus for decoding an input coded bit stream on a block-by-block basis and outputting videos/images. As illustrated in FIG. 16 , video decoder 6000 includes entropy decoder 6001, inverse quantizer 6002, inverse transformer 6003, block memory 6004, frame memory 6005, intra predictor 6006, inter predictor 6007, and block partition determiner 6008.

An input encoded bit stream is inputted to entropy decoder 6001. After the input encoded bit stream is inputted to entropy decoder 6001, entropy decoder 6001 decodes the input encoded bit stream, outputs parameters to block partition determiner 6008, and outputs the decoded values to inverse quantizer 6002.

Inverse quantizer 6002 inversely quantizes the decoded values, and outputs the frequency coefficients to inverse transformer 6003. Inverse transformer 6003 performs inverse frequency transform on the frequency coefficients based on the block partition mode derived from block partition determiner 6008 to transform the frequency coefficients into sample values, and outputs the sample values to an adder. The block partition mode can be related to a block partition mode, a block partition type, or a block partition direction. The adder adds the sample values to the predicted video/image values outputted from intra/inter predictors 6006, 6007, and outputs the added values to a display, and outputs the added values to block memory 6004 or frame memory 6005 for further prediction. Block partition determiner 6008 collects block information from block memory 6004 or frame memory 6005 to derive block partition mode using the parameters decoded by entropy decoder 6001. Using the derived block partition mode will result in partitioning a block into a plurality of sub blocks. In addition, intra/inter predictor 6006, 6007 estimates a video/image area of the block to be decoded, from within videos/images stored in block memory 6004 or from videos/images in frame memory 6005 reconstructed using the block partition mode derived from block partition determiner 6008.

Embodiment 3

The encoding process and decoding process according to Embodiment 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 . The encoder and decoder according to Embodiment 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 .

[Encoding Process]

FIG. 13 illustrates a video encoding process according to Embodiment 3.

First, in step S3001, a first parameter for identifying, from a plurality of partition types, a partition type for partitioning a first block into sub blocks is written into a bitstream.

Next, in step S3002, a second parameter indicating the partition direction is written into the bitstream. The second parameter follows after the first parameter in a bitstream. The partition type together with the partition direction may form the partition mode. The partition type indicates the number of sub blocks and partition ratio for partitioning a block.

FIG. 29 illustrates examples of partition types and partition directions for partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block in Embodiment 3. In FIG. 29 , (1), (2), (3), and (4) are different partition types, (1 a), (2 a), (3 a), and (4 a) are different partition modes from related partition types in vertical partition direction, and (1 b), (2 b), (3 b), and (4 b) are different partition modes from related partition types in horizontal partition direction. As illustrated in FIG. 29 , a N pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (1 a) when it is partitioned with symmetrical binary tree (i.e., two sub blocks) in vertical partition direction with partition ratio 1:1. AN pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (1 b) when it is partitioned with symmetrical binary tree (i.e., two sub blocks) in horizontal partition direction with partition ratio 1:1. A N pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (2 a) when it is partitioned with asymmetrical binary tree (i.e., two sub blocks) in vertical partition direction at partition ratio 1:3. AN pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (2 b) when it is partitioned with asymmetrical binary tree (i.e., two sub blocks) in horizontal partition direction at partition ratio 1:3. A N pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (3 a) when it is partitioned with asymmetrical binary tree (i.e., two sub blocks) in vertical partition direction at partition ratio 3:1. A N pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (3 b) when it is partitioned with asymmetrical binary tree (i.e., two sub blocks) in horizontal partition direction at partition ratio 3:1. AN pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (4 a) when it is partitioned with ternary tree (i.e., three sub blocks) in vertical partition direction at partition ratio 1:2:1. AN pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (4 b) when it is partitioned with ternary tree (or three sub blocks) in horizontal partition direction at partition ratio 1:2:1.

FIG. 17 illustrates the possible locations of the first parameter in a compressed video bitstream. As illustrated in FIG. 17 , the first parameter can be in a video parameter set, a sequence parameter set, a picture parameter set, a slice header, or a coding tree unit. The first parameter can indicate the way for partitioning a block into a plurality of sub blocks. For example, the first parameter can include a flag to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned in a horizontal or vertical direction. The first parameter can also include a parameter to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned into two or more sub blocks.

FIG. 18 illustrates the possible locations of the second parameter in a compressed video bitstream. As illustrated in FIG. 18 , the second parameter can be in video parameter set, sequence parameter set, picture parameter set, slice header, or coding tree unit. The second parameter can indicate the way for partitioning a block into a plurality of sub blocks. For example, the second parameter can include a flag to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned in a horizontal or vertical direction. The second parameter can also include a parameter to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned into two or more sub blocks. The second parameter follows after the first parameter in a bitstream as illustrated in FIG. 19 .

FIG. 30 illustrates an advantage of encoding partition type before partition direction as compared to encoding partition direction before partition type. In this example, when horizontal partition direction is disabled due to unsupported size (16 pixels by 2 pixels), there is no need to encode partition direction. Partition direction is determined as vertical partition direction as horizontal partition direction is disabled in this example. Encoding partition type before partition direction saves coding bits from encoding partition direction as compared to encoding partition direction before partition type.

In this manner, it is possible to determine whether a block can be partitioned in each of the horizontal direction and vertical direction based on a predetermined condition for allowed or not-allowed block partitioning. Then, when it is determined that partitioning is possible in only one of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, writing of the partition direction into a bitstream can be skipped. In addition, when it is determined that it partitioning is not possible in both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, in addition to the partition direction, writing of the partition type into the bitstream may also be skipped.

The predetermined condition for allowed or not-allowed block partitioning is defined by the size (number of pixels) or the number of times partitioning is performed, for example. The condition for allowed or not-allowed block partitioning may be predefined in a standard specification. Furthermore, the condition for allowed or not-allowed block partitioning may be included in a video parameter set, a sequence parameter set, a picture parameter set, a slice header, or a coding tree unit. The condition for allowed or not-allowed block partitioning may be fixed for all blocks, and may be dynamically switched according to a block property (for example, luma and chroma block) or a picture property (for example, I, P, and B picture)

In step S3003, the block is partitioned into sub blocks using the identified partition type and the indicated partition direction. In step S3004, the partitioned blocks are encoded.

[Encoder]

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a video/image encoder according to Embodiment 2 or 3.

Video encoder 5000 is an apparatus for encoding an input video/image on a block-by-block basis so as to generate an encoded output bit stream. As illustrated in FIG. 15 , video encoder 5000 includes transformer 5001, quantizer 5002, inverse quantizer 5003, inverse transformer 5004, block memory 5005, frame memory 5006, intra predictor 5007, inter predictor 5008, entropy encoder 5009, and block partition determiner 5010.

An input video is inputted to an adder, and the added value is outputted to transformer 5001. Transformer 5001 transforms the added values into frequency coefficients based on the block partition type and direction derived from block partition determiner 5010, and outputs the frequency coefficients to quantizer 5002. The block partition type and direction can be related to a block partition mode, a block partition type, or a block partition direction. Quantizer 5002 quantizes the inputted quantized coefficients, and outputs the quantized values to inverse quantizer 5003 and entropy encoder 5009.

Inverse quantizer 5003 inversely quantizes the quantized values outputted from quantizer 5002, and outputs the frequency coefficients to inverse transformer 5004. Inverse transformer 5004 performs inverse frequency transform on the frequency coefficients based on the block partition type and direction derived from block partition determiner 5010, so as to transform the frequency coefficients into sample values of the bit stream, and outputs the sample values to an adder.

The adder adds the sample values of the bit stream outputted from inverse transformer 5004 to the predicted video/image values outputted from inter/intra predictor 5007, 5008, and outputs the added values to block memory 5005 or frame memory 5006 for further prediction. Block partition determiner 5010 collects block information from block memory 5005 or frame memory 5006 to derive a block partition type and direction and parameters related to the block partition type and direction. Using the derived block partition type and direction will result in partitioning a block into a plurality of sub blocks. Inter/intra predictor 5007, 5008 searches within videos/images stored in block memory 5005 or from videos/images in frame memory 5006 reconstructed using the block partition type and direction derived from block partition determiner 5010, and estimates a video/image area which is for example most similar to the input videos/images for prediction.

Entropy encoder 5009 encodes the quantized values outputted from quantizer 5002, encodes parameters from block partition determiner 5010, and outputs a bit stream.

[Decoding Process]

FIG. 14 illustrates a video decoding process according to Embodiment 3.

First, in step S4001, a first parameter for identifying, from a plurality of partition types, a partition type for partitioning a first block into sub blocks is parsed from a bitstream.

Next, in step S4002, a second parameter indicating partition direction is parsed from the bitstream. The second parameter follows after the first parameter in a bitstream. The partition type together with the partition direction may form the partition mode. The partition type indicates the number of sub blocks and partition ratio for partitioning a block.

FIG. 29 illustrates examples of partition types and partition directions for partitioning a N pixels by N pixels block in Embodiment 3. In FIG. 29 , (1), (2), (3), and (4) are different partition types, (1 a), (2 a), (3 a), and (4 a) are different partition modes from related partition types in vertical partition direction, and (1 b), (2 b), (3 b), and (4 b) are different partition modes from related partition types in horizontal partition direction. As illustrated in FIG. 29 , a N pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (1 a) when it is partitioned with symmetrical binary tree (i.e., two sub blocks) in vertical partition direction with partition ratio 1:1. AN pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (1 b) when it is partitioned with symmetrical binary tree (i.e., two sub blocks) in horizontal partition direction with partition ratio 1:1. AN pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (2 a) when it is partitioned with asymmetrical binary tree (i.e., two sub blocks) in vertical partition direction at partition ratio 1:3. A N pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (2 b) when it is partitioned with asymmetrical binary tree (i.e., two sub blocks) in horizontal partition direction at partition ratio 1:3. AN pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (3 a) when it is partitioned with asymmetrical binary tree (i.e., two sub blocks) in vertical partition direction at partition ratio 3:1. A N pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (3 b) when it is partitioned with asymmetrical binary tree (i.e., two sub blocks) in horizontal partition direction at partition ratio 3:1. A N pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (4 a) when it is partitioned with ternary tree (i.e., three sub blocks) in vertical partition direction at partition ratio 1:2:1. A N pixels by N pixels block is partitioned using partition mode (4 b) when it is partitioned with ternary tree (or three sub blocks) in horizontal partition direction at partition ratio 1:2:1.

FIG. 17 illustrates the possible locations of the first parameter in a compressed video bitstream. As illustrated in FIG. 17 , the first parameter can be in video parameter set, sequence parameter set, picture parameter set, slice header, or coding tree unit. The first parameter can indicate the way for partitioning a block into a plurality of sub blocks. For example, the first parameter can include an identifier of the aforementioned partition type. For example, the first parameter can include a flag to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned in a horizontal or vertical direction. The first parameter can also include a parameter to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned into two or more sub blocks.

FIG. 18 illustrates the possible locations of the second parameter in a compressed video bitstream. As illustrated in FIG. 18 , the second parameter can be in video parameter set, sequence parameter set, picture parameter set, slice header, or coding tree unit. The second parameter can indicate the way for partitioning a block into a plurality of sub blocks. For example, the second parameter can include a flag to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned in a horizontal or vertical direction. Specifically, the second parameter can include a parameter to indicate the partition direction. The second parameter can also include a parameter to indicate whether the block is to be partitioned into two or more sub blocks. The second parameter follows after the first parameter in a bitstream as illustrated in FIG. 19 .

FIG. 30 illustrates an advantage of encoding partition type before partition direction as compared to encoding partition direction before partition type. In this example, when horizontal partition direction is disabled due to unsupported size (16 pixels by 2 pixels), there is no need to encode partition direction. Partition direction is determined as vertical partition direction as horizontal partition direction is disabled in this example. Encoding partition type before partition direction saves coding bits from encoding partition direction as compared to encoding partition direction before partition type.

In this manner, it is possible to determine whether a block can be partitioned in each of the horizontal direction and vertical direction based on a predetermined condition for allowed or not-allowed block partitioning. Then, when it is determined that partitioning is possible in only one of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, parsing of the partition direction from a bitstream can be skipped. In addition, when it is determined that it partitioning is not possible in both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, in addition to the partition direction, parsing of the partition type from the bitstream may also be skipped.

The predetermined condition for allowed or not-allowed block partitioning is defined by the size (number of pixels) or the number or times partitioning is performed, for example. This condition for allowed or not-allowed block partitioning may be predefined in a standard specification. Furthermore, the condition for allowed or not-allowed block partitioning may be included in a video parameter set, a sequence parameter set, a picture parameter set, a slice header, or a coding tree unit. The condition for allowed or not-allowed block partitioning may be fixed for all blocks, and may be dynamically switched according to a block property (for example, luma and chroma block) or a picture property (for example, I, P, and B picture)

In step S4003, the block is partitioned into sub blocks using the identified partition type and the indicated partition direction. In step S4004, the partitioned blocks are decoded.

[Decoder]

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a video/image decoder according to Embodiment 2 or 3.

Video decoder 6000 is an apparatus for decoding an input coded bit stream on a block-by-block basis and outputting videos/images. As illustrated in FIG. 16 , video decoder 6000 includes entropy decoder 6001, inverse quantizer 6002, inverse transformer 6003, block memory 6004, frame memory 6005, intra predictor 6006, inter predictor 6007, and block partition determiner 6008.

An input encoded bit stream is inputted to entropy decoder 6001. After the input encoded bit stream is inputted to entropy decoder 6001, entropy decoder 6001 decodes the input encoded bit stream, outputs parameters to block partition determiner 6008, and outputs the decoded values to inverse quantizer 6002.

Inverse quantizer 6002 inversely quantizes the decoded values, and outputs the frequency coefficients to inverse transformer 6003. Inverse transformer 6003 performs inverse frequency transform on the frequency coefficients based on the block partition type and direction derived from block partition determiner 6008 to transform the frequency coefficients into sample values, and outputs the sample values to an adder. The block partition type and direction can be related to a block partition mode, a block partition type, or a block partition direction. The adder adds the sample values to the predicted video/image values outputted from intra/inter predictors 6006, 6007, and outputs the added values to a display, and outputs the added values to block memory 6004 or frame memory 6005 for further prediction. Block partition determiner 6008 collects block information from block memory 6004 or frame memory 6005 to derive block partition type and direction using the parameters decoded by entropy decoder 6001. Using the derived block partition type and direction will result in partitioning a block into a plurality of sub blocks. In addition, intra/inter predictor 6006, 6007 estimates a video/image area of the block to be decoded, from within videos/images stored in block memory 6004 or from videos/images in frame memory 6005 reconstructed using the block partition type and direction derived from block partition determiner 6008.

Embodiment 4

As described in each of the above embodiments, each functional block can typically be realized as an MPU and memory, for example. Moreover, processes performed by each of the functional blocks are typically realized by a program execution unit, such as a processor, reading and executing software (a program) recorded on a recording medium such as ROM. The software may be distributed via, for example, downloading, and may be recorded on a recording medium such as semiconductor memory and distributed. Note that each functional block can, of course, also be realized as hardware (dedicated circuit).

Moreover, the processing described in each of the embodiments may be realized via integrated processing using a single apparatus (system), and, alternatively, may be realized via decentralized processing using a plurality of apparatuses. Moreover, the processor that executes the above-described program may be a single processor or a plurality of processors. In other words, integrated processing may be performed, and, alternatively, decentralized processing may be performed.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above exemplary embodiments; various modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments, the results of which are also included within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Next, application examples of the moving picture encoding method (image encoding method) and the moving picture decoding method (image decoding method) described in each of the above embodiments and a system that employs the same will be described. The system is characterized as including an image encoder that employs the image encoding method, an image decoder that employs the image decoding method, and an image encoder/decoder that includes both the image encoder and the image decoder. Other configurations included in the system may be modified on a case-by-case basis.

[Usage Examples]

FIG. 33 illustrates an overall configuration of content providing system ex100 for implementing a content distribution service. The area in which the communication service is provided is divided into cells of desired sizes, and base stations ex106, ex107, ex108, ex109, and ex110, which are fixed wireless stations, are located in respective cells.

In content providing system ex100, devices including computer ex111, gaming device ex112, camera ex113, home appliance ex114, and smartphone ex115 are connected to internet ex101 via internet service provider ex102 or communications network ex104 and base stations ex106 through ex110. Content providing system ex100 may combine and connect any combination of the above elements. The devices may be directly or indirectly connected together via a telephone network or near field communication rather than via base stations ex106 through ex110, which are fixed wireless stations. Moreover, streaming server ex103 is connected to devices including computer ex111, gaming device ex112, camera ex113, home appliance ex114, and smartphone ex115 via, for example, internet ex101. Streaming server ex103 is also connected to, for example, a terminal in a hotspot in airplane ex117 via satellite ex116.

Note that instead of base stations ex106 through ex110, wireless access points or hotspots may be used. Streaming server ex103 may be connected to communications network ex104 directly instead of via internet ex101 or internet service provider ex102, and may be connected to airplane ex117 directly instead of via satellite ex116.

Camera ex113 is a device capable of capturing still images and video, such as a digital camera. Smartphone ex115 is a smartphone device, cellular phone, or personal handyphone system (PHS) phone that can operate under the mobile communications system standards of the typical 2G, 3G, 3.9G, and 4G systems, as well as the next-generation 5G system.

Home appliance ex118 is, for example, a refrigerator or a device included in a home fuel cell cogeneration system.

In content providing system ex100, a terminal including an image and/or video capturing function is capable of, for example, live streaming by connecting to streaming server ex103 via, for example, base station ex106. When live streaming, a terminal (e.g., computer ex111, gaming device ex112, camera ex113, home appliance ex114, smartphone ex115, or airplane ex117) performs the encoding processing described in the above embodiments on still-image or video content captured by a user via the terminal, multiplexes video data obtained via the encoding and audio data obtained by encoding audio corresponding to the video, and transmits the obtained data to streaming server ex103. In other words, the terminal functions as the image encoder according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

Streaming server ex103 streams transmitted content data to clients that request the stream. Client examples include computer ex111, gaming device ex112, camera ex113, home appliance ex114, smartphone ex115, and terminals inside airplane ex117, which are capable of decoding the above-described encoded data. Devices that receive the streamed data decode and reproduce the received data. In other words, the devices each function as the image decoder according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[Decentralized Processing]

Streaming server ex103 may be realized as a plurality of servers or computers between which tasks such as the processing, recording, and streaming of data are divided. For example, streaming server ex103 may be realized as a content delivery network (CDN) that streams content via a network connecting multiple edge servers located throughout the world. In a CDN, an edge server physically near the client is dynamically assigned to the client. Content is cached and streamed to the edge server to reduce load times. In the event of, for example, some kind of an error or a change in connectivity due to, for example, a spike in traffic, it is possible to stream data stably at high speeds since it is possible to avoid affected parts of the network by, for example, dividing the processing between a plurality of edge servers or switching the streaming duties to a different edge server, and continuing streaming.

Decentralization is not limited to just the division of processing for streaming; the encoding of the captured data may be divided between and performed by the terminals, on the server side, or both. In one example, in typical encoding, the processing is performed in two loops. The first loop is for detecting how complicated the image is on a frame-by-frame or scene-by-scene basis, or detecting the encoding load. The second loop is for processing that maintains image quality and improves encoding efficiency. For example, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the terminals and improve the quality and encoding efficiency of the content by having the terminals perform the first loop of the encoding and having the server side that received the content perform the second loop of the encoding. In such a case, upon receipt of a decoding request, it is possible for the encoded data resulting from the first loop performed by one terminal to be received and reproduced on another terminal in approximately real time. This makes it possible to realize smooth, real-time streaming.

In another example, camera ex113 or the like extracts a feature amount from an image, compresses data related to the feature amount as metadata, and transmits the compressed metadata to a server. For example, the server determines the significance of an object based on the feature amount and changes the quantization accuracy accordingly to perform compression suitable for the meaning of the image. Feature amount data is particularly effective in improving the precision and efficiency of motion vector prediction during the second compression pass performed by the server. Moreover, encoding that has a relatively low processing load, such as variable length coding (VLC), may be handled by the terminal, and encoding that has a relatively high processing load, such as context-adaptive binary arithmetic coding (CABAC), may be handled by the server.

In yet another example, there are instances in which a plurality of videos of approximately the same scene are captured by a plurality of terminals in, for example, a stadium, shopping mall, or factory. In such a case, for example, the encoding may be decentralized by dividing processing tasks between the plurality of terminals that captured the videos and, if necessary, other terminals that did not capture the videos and the server, on a per-unit basis. The units may be, for example, groups of pictures (GOP), pictures, or tiles resulting from dividing a picture. This makes it possible to reduce load times and achieve streaming that is closer to real-time.

Moreover, since the videos are of approximately the same scene, management and/or instruction may be carried out by the server so that the videos captured by the terminals can be cross-referenced. Moreover, the server may receive encoded data from the terminals, change reference relationship between items of data or correct or replace pictures themselves, and then perform the encoding. This makes it possible to generate a stream with increased quality and efficiency for the individual items of data.

Moreover, the server may stream video data after performing transcoding to convert the encoding format of the video data. For example, the server may convert the encoding format from MPEG to VP, and may convert H.264 to H.265.

In this way, encoding can be performed by a terminal or one or more servers. Accordingly, although the device that performs the encoding is referred to as a “server” or “terminal” in the following description, some or all of the processes performed by the server may be performed by the terminal, and likewise some or all of the processes performed by the terminal may be performed by the server. This also applies to decoding processes.

[3D, Multi-Angle]

In recent years, usage of images or videos combined from images or videos of different scenes concurrently captured or the same scene captured from different angles by a plurality of terminals such as camera ex113 and/or smartphone ex115 has increased. Videos captured by the terminals are combined based on, for example, the separately-obtained relative positional relationship between the terminals, or regions in a video having matching feature points.

In addition to the encoding of two-dimensional moving pictures, the server may encode a still image based on scene analysis of a moving picture either automatically or at a point in time specified by the user, and transmit the encoded still image to a reception terminal. Furthermore, when the server can obtain the relative positional relationship between the video capturing terminals, in addition to two-dimensional moving pictures, the server can generate three-dimensional geometry of a scene based on video of the same scene captured from different angles. Note that the server may separately encode three-dimensional data generated from, for example, a point cloud, and may, based on a result of recognizing or tracking a person or object using three-dimensional data, select or reconstruct and generate a video to be transmitted to a reception terminal from videos captured by a plurality of terminals.

This allows the user to enjoy a scene by freely selecting videos corresponding to the video capturing terminals, and allows the user to enjoy the content obtained by extracting, from three-dimensional data reconstructed from a plurality of images or videos, a video from a selected viewpoint. Furthermore, similar to with video, sound may be recorded from relatively different angles, and the server may multiplex, with the video, audio from a specific angle or space in accordance with the video, and transmit the result.

In recent years, content that is a composite of the real world and a virtual world, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) content, has also become popular. In the case of VR images, the server may create images from the viewpoints of both the left and right eyes and perform encoding that tolerates reference between the two viewpoint images, such as multi-view coding (MVC), and, alternatively, may encode the images as separate streams without referencing. When the images are decoded as separate streams, the streams may be synchronized when reproduced so as to recreate a virtual three-dimensional space in accordance with the viewpoint of the user.

In the case of AR images, the server superimposes virtual object information existing in a virtual space onto camera information representing a real-world space, based on a three-dimensional position or movement from the perspective of the user. The decoder may obtain or store virtual object information and three-dimensional data, generate two-dimensional images based on movement from the perspective of the user, and then generate superimposed data by seamlessly connecting the images. Alternatively, the decoder may transmit, to the server, motion from the perspective of the user in addition to a request for virtual object information, and the server may generate superimposed data based on three-dimensional data stored in the server in accordance with the received motion, and encode and stream the generated superimposed data to the decoder. Note that superimposed data includes, in addition to RGB values, an α value indicating transparency, and the server sets the α value for sections other than the object generated from three-dimensional data to, for example, 0, and may perform the encoding while those sections are transparent. Alternatively, the server may set the background to a predetermined RGB value, such as a chroma key, and generate data in which areas other than the object are set as the background.

Decoding of similarly streamed data may be performed by the client (i.e., the terminals), on the server side, or divided therebetween. In one example, one terminal may transmit a reception request to a server, the requested content may be received and decoded by another terminal, and a decoded signal may be transmitted to a device having a display. It is possible to reproduce high image quality data by decentralizing processing and appropriately selecting content regardless of the processing ability of the communications terminal itself. In yet another example, while a TV, for example, is receiving image data that is large in size, a region of a picture, such as a tile obtained by dividing the picture, may be decoded and displayed on a personal terminal or terminals of a viewer or viewers of the TV. This makes it possible for the viewers to share a big-picture view as well as for each viewer to check his or her assigned area or inspect a region in further detail up close.

In the future, both indoors and outdoors, in situations in which a plurality of wireless connections are possible over near, mid, and far distances, it is expected to be able to seamlessly receive content even when switching to data appropriate for the current connection, using a streaming system standard such as MPEG-DASH. With this, the user can switch between data in real time while freely selecting a decoder or display apparatus including not only his or her own terminal, but also, for example, displays disposed indoors or outdoors. Moreover, based on, for example, information on the position of the user, decoding can be performed while switching which terminal handles decoding and which terminal handles the displaying of content. This makes it possible to, while in route to a destination, display, on the wall of a nearby building in which a device capable of displaying content is embedded or on part of the ground, map information while on the move. Moreover, it is also possible to switch the bit rate of the received data based on the accessibility to the encoded data on a network, such as when encoded data is cached on a server quickly accessible from the reception terminal or when encoded data is copied to an edge server in a content delivery service.

[Scalable Encoding]

The switching of content will be described with reference to a scalable stream, illustrated in FIG. 34 , that is compression coded via implementation of the moving picture encoding method described in the above embodiments. The server may have a configuration in which content is switched while making use of the temporal and/or spatial scalability of a stream, which is achieved by division into and encoding of layers, as illustrated in FIG. 34 . Note that there may be a plurality of individual streams that are of the same content but different quality. In other words, by determining which layer to decode up to based on internal factors, such as the processing ability on the decoder side, and external factors, such as communication bandwidth, the decoder side can freely switch between low resolution content and high resolution content while decoding. For example, in a case in which the user wants to continue watching, at home on a device such as a TV connected to the internet, a video that he or she had been previously watching on smartphone ex115 while on the move, the device can simply decode the same stream up to a different layer, which reduces server side load.

Furthermore, in addition to the configuration described above in which scalability is achieved as a result of the pictures being encoded per layer and the enhancement layer is above the base layer, the enhancement layer may include metadata based on, for example, statistical information on the image, and the decoder side may generate high image quality content by performing super-resolution imaging on a picture in the base layer based on the metadata. Super-resolution imaging may be improving the SN ratio while maintaining resolution and/or increasing resolution. Metadata includes information for identifying a linear or a non-linear filter coefficient used in super-resolution processing, or information identifying a parameter value in filter processing, machine learning, or least squares method used in super-resolution processing.

Alternatively, a configuration in which a picture is divided into, for example, tiles in accordance with the meaning of, for example, an object in the image, and on the decoder side, only a partial region is decoded by selecting a tile to decode, is also acceptable. Moreover, by storing an attribute about the object (person, car, ball, etc.) and a position of the object in the video (coordinates in identical images) as metadata, the decoder side can identify the position of a desired object based on the metadata and determine which tile or tiles include that object. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 35 , metadata is stored using a data storage structure different from pixel data such as an SEI message in HEVC. This metadata indicates, for example, the position, size, or color of the main object.

Moreover, metadata may be stored in units of a plurality of pictures, such as stream, sequence, or random access units. With this, the decoder side can obtain, for example, the time at which a specific person appears in the video, and by fitting that with picture unit information, can identify a picture in which the object is present and the position of the object in the picture.

[Web Page Optimization]

FIG. 36 illustrates an example of a display screen of a web page on, for example, computer ex111. FIG. 37 illustrates an example of a display screen of a web page on, for example, smartphone ex115. As illustrated in FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 , a web page may include a plurality of image links which are links to image content, and the appearance of the web page differs depending on the device used to view the web page. When a plurality of image links are viewable on the screen, until the user explicitly selects an image link, or until the image link is in the approximate center of the screen or the entire image link fits in the screen, the display apparatus (decoder) displays, as the image links, still images included in the content or I pictures, displays video such as an animated gif using a plurality of still images or I pictures, for example, or receives only the base layer and decodes and displays the video.

When an image link is selected by the user, the display apparatus decodes giving the highest priority to the base layer. Note that if there is information in the HTML code of the web page indicating that the content is scalable, the display apparatus may decode up to the enhancement layer. Moreover, in order to guarantee real time reproduction, before a selection is made or when the bandwidth is severely limited, the display apparatus can reduce delay between the point in time at which the leading picture is decoded and the point in time at which the decoded picture is displayed (that is, the delay between the start of the decoding of the content to the displaying of the content) by decoding and displaying only forward reference pictures (I picture, P picture, forward reference B picture). Moreover, the display apparatus may purposely ignore the reference relationship between pictures and coarsely decode all B and P pictures as forward reference pictures, and then perform normal decoding as the number of pictures received over time increases.

[Autonomous Driving]

When transmitting and receiving still image or video data such two- or three-dimensional map information for autonomous driving or assisted driving of an automobile, the reception terminal may receive, in addition to image data belonging to one or more layers, information on, for example, the weather or road construction as metadata, and associate the metadata with the image data upon decoding. Note that metadata may be assigned per layer and, alternatively, may simply be multiplexed with the image data.

In such a case, since the automobile, drone, airplane, etc., including the reception terminal is mobile, the reception terminal can seamlessly receive and decode while switching between base stations among base stations ex106 through ex110 by transmitting information indicating the position of the reception terminal upon reception request. Moreover, in accordance with the selection made by the user, the situation of the user, or the bandwidth of the connection, the reception terminal can dynamically select to what extent the metadata is received or to what extent the map information, for example, is updated.

With this, in content providing system ex100, the client can receive, decode, and reproduce, in real time, encoded information transmitted by the user.

[Streaming of Individual Content]

In content providing system ex100, in addition to high image quality, long content distributed by a video distribution entity, unicast or multicast streaming of low image quality, short content from an individual is also possible. Moreover, such content from individuals is likely to further increase in popularity. The server may first perform editing processing on the content before the encoding processing in order to refine the individual content. This may be achieved with, for example, the following configuration.

In real-time while capturing video or image content or after the content has been captured and accumulated, the server performs recognition processing based on the raw or encoded data, such as capture error processing, scene search processing, meaning analysis, and/or object detection processing. Then, based on the result of the recognition processing, the server—either when prompted or automatically—edits the content, examples of which include: correction such as focus and/or motion blur correction; removing low-priority scenes such as scenes that are low in brightness compared to other pictures or out of focus; object edge adjustment; and color tone adjustment. The server encodes the edited data based on the result of the editing. It is known that excessively long videos tend to receive fewer views. Accordingly, in order to keep the content within a specific length that scales with the length of the original video, the server may, in addition to the low-priority scenes described above, automatically clip out scenes with low movement based on an image processing result. Alternatively, the server may generate and encode a video digest based on a result of an analysis of the meaning of a scene.

Note that there are instances in which individual content may include content that infringes a copyright, moral right, portrait rights, etc. Such an instance may lead to an unfavorable situation for the creator, such as when content is shared beyond the scope intended by the creator. Accordingly, before encoding, the server may, for example, edit images so as to blur faces of people in the periphery of the screen or blur the inside of a house, for example. Moreover, the server may be configured to recognize the faces of people other than a registered person in images to be encoded, and when such faces appear in an image, for example, apply a mosaic filter to the face of the person. Alternatively, as pre- or post-processing for encoding, the user may specify, for copyright reasons, a region of an image including a person or a region of the background be processed, and the server may process the specified region by, for example, replacing the region with a different image or blurring the region. If the region includes a person, the person may be tracked in the moving picture the head region may be replaced with another image as the person moves.

Moreover, since there is a demand for real-time viewing of content produced by individuals, which tends to be small in data size, the decoder first receives the base layer as the highest priority and performs decoding and reproduction, although this may differ depending on bandwidth. When the content is reproduced two or more times, such as when the decoder receives the enhancement layer during decoding and reproduction of the base layer and loops the reproduction, the decoder may reproduce a high image quality video including the enhancement layer. If the stream is encoded using such scalable encoding, the video may be low quality when in an unselected state or at the start of the video, but it can offer an experience in which the image quality of the stream progressively increases in an intelligent manner. This is not limited to just scalable encoding; the same experience can be offered by configuring a single stream from a low quality stream reproduced for the first time and a second stream encoded using the first stream as a reference.

[Other Usage Examples]

The encoding and decoding may be performed by LSI ex500, which is typically included in each terminal. LSI ex500 may be configured of a single chip or a plurality of chips. Software for encoding and decoding moving pictures may be integrated into some type of a recording medium (such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, or a hard disk) that is readable by, for example, computer ex111, and the encoding and decoding may be performed using the software. Furthermore, when smartphone ex115 is equipped with a camera, the video data obtained by the camera may be transmitted. In this case, the video data is encoded by LSI ex500 included in smartphone ex115.

Note that LSI ex500 may be configured to download and activate an application. In such a case, the terminal first determines whether it is compatible with the scheme used to encode the content or whether it is capable of executing a specific service. When the terminal is not compatible with the encoding scheme of the content or when the terminal is not capable of executing a specific service, the terminal first downloads a codec or application software then obtains and reproduces the content.

Aside from the example of content providing system ex100 that uses internet ex101, at least the moving picture encoder (image encoder) or the moving picture decoder (image decoder) described in the above embodiments may be implemented in a digital broadcasting system. The same encoding processing and decoding processing may be applied to transmit and receive broadcast radio waves superimposed with multiplexed audio and video data using, for example, a satellite, even though this is geared toward multicast whereas unicast is easier with content providing system ex100.

[Hardware Configuration]

FIG. 38 illustrates smartphone ex115. FIG. 39 illustrates a configuration example of smartphone ex115. Smartphone ex115 includes antenna ex450 for transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from base station ex110, camera ex465 capable of capturing video and still images, and display ex458 that displays decoded data, such as video captured by camera ex465 and video received by antenna ex450. Smartphone ex115 further includes user interface ex466 such as a touch panel, audio output unit ex457 such as a speaker for outputting speech or other audio, audio input unit ex456 such as a microphone for audio input, memory ex467 capable of storing decoded data such as captured video or still images, recorded audio, received video or still images, and mail, as well as decoded data, and slot ex464 which is an interface for SIM ex468 for authorizing access to a network and various data. Note that external memory may be used instead of memory ex467.

Moreover, main controller ex460 which comprehensively controls display ex458 and user interface ex466, power supply circuit ex461, user interface input controller ex462, video signal processor ex455, camera interface ex463, display controller ex459, modulator/demodulator ex452, multiplexer/demultiplexer ex453, audio signal processor ex454, slot ex464, and memory ex467 are connected via bus ex470.

When the user turns the power button of power supply circuit ex461 on, smartphone ex115 is powered on into an operable state by each component being supplied with power from a battery pack.

Smartphone ex115 performs processing for, for example, calling and data transmission, based on control performed by main controller ex460, which includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. When making calls, an audio signal recorded by audio input unit ex456 is converted into a digital audio signal by audio signal processor ex454, and this is applied with spread spectrum processing by modulator/demodulator ex452 and digital-analog conversion and frequency conversion processing by transmitter/receiver ex451, and then transmitted via antenna ex450. The received data is amplified, frequency converted, and analog-digital converted, inverse spread spectrum processed by modulator/demodulator ex452, converted into an analog audio signal by audio signal processor ex454, and then output from audio output unit ex457. In data transmission mode, text, still-image, or video data is transmitted by main controller ex460 via user interface input controller ex462 as a result of operation of, for example, user interface ex466 of the main body, and similar transmission and reception processing is performed. In data transmission mode, when sending a video, still image, or video and audio, video signal processor ex455 compression encodes, via the moving picture encoding method described in the above embodiments, a video signal stored in memory ex467 or a video signal input from camera ex465, and transmits the encoded video data to multiplexer/demultiplexer ex453. Moreover, audio signal processor ex454 encodes an audio signal recorded by audio input unit ex456 while camera ex465 is capturing, for example, a video or still image, and transmits the encoded audio data to multiplexer/demultiplexer ex453. Multiplexer/demultiplexer ex453 multiplexes the encoded video data and encoded audio data using a predetermined scheme, modulates and converts the data using modulator/demodulator (modulator/demodulator circuit) ex452 and transmitter/receiver ex451, and transmits the result via antenna ex450.

When video appended in an email or a chat, or a video linked from a web page, for example, is received, in order to decode the multiplexed data received via antenna ex450, multiplexer/demultiplexer ex453 demultiplexes the multiplexed data to divide the multiplexed data into a bitstream of video data and a bitstream of audio data, supplies the encoded video data to video signal processor ex455 via synchronous bus ex470, and supplies the encoded audio data to audio signal processor ex454 via synchronous bus ex470. Video signal processor ex455 decodes the video signal using a moving picture decoding method corresponding to the moving picture encoding method described in the above embodiments, and video or a still image included in the linked moving picture file is displayed on display ex458 via display controller ex459. Moreover, audio signal processor ex454 decodes the audio signal and outputs audio from audio output unit ex457. Note that since real-time streaming is becoming more and more popular, there are instances in which reproduction of the audio may be socially inappropriate depending on the user's environment. Accordingly, as an initial value, a configuration in which only video data is reproduced, i.e., the audio signal is not reproduced, is preferable. Audio may be synchronized and reproduced only when an input, such as when the user clicks video data, is received.

Although smartphone ex115 was used in the above example, three implementations are conceivable: a transceiver terminal including both an encoder and a decoder; a transmitter terminal including only an encoder; and a receiver terminal including only a decoder. Further, in the description of the digital broadcasting system, an example is given in which multiplexed data obtained as a result of video data being multiplexed with, for example, audio data, is received or transmitted, but the multiplexed data may be video data multiplexed with data other than audio data, such as text data related to the video. Moreover, the video data itself rather than multiplexed data may be received or transmitted.

Although main controller ex460 including a CPU is described as controlling the encoding or decoding processes, terminals often include GPUs. Accordingly, a configuration is acceptable in which a large area is processed at once by making use of the performance ability of the GPU via memory shared by the CPU and GPU or memory including an address that is managed so as to allow common usage by the CPU and GPU. This makes it possible to shorten encoding time, maintain the real-time nature of the stream, and reduce delay. In particular, processing relating to motion estimation, deblocking filtering, sample adaptive offset (SAO), and transformation/quantization can be effectively carried out by the GPU instead of the CPU in units of, for example pictures, all at once.

An encoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be an encoder that encodes a picture and includes a processor and memory. The processor may include: a block partition determiner that partitions the picture into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the picture being read from the memory; and an encoding unit that encodes the plurality of blocks. The set of block partition modes may include a first partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a first block, and a second block partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a second block which is one of blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned. When the total number of partitions of the first block partition mode is three, the second block is a center block among the blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned, and the partition direction of the second block partition mode is same as the partition direction of the first block partition mode, the second block partition mode may include only a block partition mode indicating that the total number of partitions is three.

A parameter for identifying the second block partition mode in the encoder according an embodiment of the present disclosure a may include a first flag that indicates whether a block is to be partitioned horizontally or vertically, and need not include a second flag indicating a total number of partitions into which the block is to be partitioned.

An encoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be an encoder that encodes a picture and includes a processor and memory. The processor may include: a block partition determiner that partitions the picture into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the picture being read from the memory; and an encoding unit that encodes the plurality of blocks. The set of block partition modes may include a first partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a first block, and a second block partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a second block which is one of blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned. When the total number of partitions of the first block partition mode is three, the second block is a center block among the blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned, and the partition direction of the second block partition mode is same as the partition direction of the first block partition mode, the second block partition mode indicating that the total number of partitions is two need not be used.

An encoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be an encoder that encodes a picture, and includes: a processor and a memory. The processor may include: a block partition determiner that partitions the picture into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the picture being read from the memory; and an encoding unit that encodes the plurality of blocks. The set of block partition modes may include a first partition mode and a second block partition mode each defining a partition direction and a total number of partitions. The block partition determiner may restrict use of the second block partition mode which indicates that the number of partitions is two.

A parameter for identifying the second block partition mode in the encoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, may include a first flag that indicates whether the block is to be partitioned horizontally or vertically, and a second flag indicating whether the block is to be partitioned into two or more.

The parameter in the encoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in slice data.

An encoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be an encoder that encodes a picture, and includes: a processor; and a memory. The processor may include: a block partition determiner that partitions the picture into a set of blocks including a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the picture being read from the memory; and an encoding unit that encodes the plurality of blocks. When a first set of blocks obtained by using a first set of block partition modes and a second set of blocks obtained by using a second set of block partition modes are the same, the block partition determiner may perform partitioning using only one of the first block partition mode or the second block partition mode.

The block partition determiner in the encoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may, based on a first amount of code of the first set of block partition modes and a second amount of codes of the second set of block partition modes, perform partitioning using the set of block partition modes of the lesser one of the first amount of codes and the second amount of codes.

The block partition determiner in the encoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may, based on a first amount of code of the first set of block partition modes and a second amount of codes of the second set of block partition modes, perform partitioning using the set of block partition modes that appears first in a predetermined order among the first set of block partition modes and the second set of block partition modes, when the first amount of code and the second amount of code are equal.

A decoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a decoder that decodes an encoded signal and includes a processor and memory. The processor may includes a block partition determiner that partitions the encoded signal into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the encoded signal being read from the memory; and a decoding unit that decodes the plurality of blocks. The set of block partition modes may include a first partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a first block, and a second block partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a second block which is one of blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned. When the total number of partitions of the first block partition mode is three, the second block is a center block among the blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned, and the partition direction of the second block partition mode is same as the partition direction of the first block partition mode, the second block partition mode may include only a block partition mode indicating that the total number of partitions is three.

A parameter for identifying the second block partition mode in the decoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first flag that indicates whether a block is to be partitioned horizontally or vertically, and need not include a second flag indicating a total number of partitions into which the block is to be partitioned.

A decoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a decoder that decodes an encoded signal and includes a processor and memory. The processor may includes a block partition determiner that partitions the encoded signal into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the encoded signal being read from the memory; and a decoding unit that decodes the plurality of blocks. The set of block partition modes may include a first partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a first block, and a second block partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a second block which is one of blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned. When the total number of partitions of the first block partition mode is three, the second block is a center block among the blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned, and the partition direction of the second block partition mode is same as the partition direction of the first block partition mode, the second block partition mode indicating that the total number of partitions is two need not be used.

A decoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a decoder that decodes an encoded signal, and includes a processor and a memory. The processor may include: a block partition determiner that partitions the encoded signal into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the encoded signal being read from the memory; and a decoding unit that decodes the plurality of blocks. The set of block partition modes may include a first block partition mode and a second block partition mode each defining a partition direction and the number of partitions. The block partition determiner may restrict use of the second block partition mode which indicates that the number of partitions is two.

A parameter for identifying the second block partition mode in the decoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first flag that indicates whether a block is to be partitioned horizontally or vertically, and a second flag indicating whether the block is to be partitioned into two or more.

The parameter in the decoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in slice data.

A decoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a decoder that decodes an encoded signal, and includes: a processor; and a memory. The processor may include: a block partition determiner that partitions the encoded signal into a set of blocks including a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the encoded signal being read from the memory; and a decoding unit that decodes the plurality of blocks. When a first set of blocks obtained by using a first set of block partition modes and a second set of blocks obtained by using a second set of block partition modes are the same, the block partition determiner may perform partitioning using only one of the first block partition mode or the second block partition mode.

The block partition determiner in the decoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may, based on a first amount of code of the first set of block partition modes and a second amount of codes of the second set of block partition modes, perform partitioning using the set of block partition modes of the lesser one of the first amount of codes and the second amount of codes.

The block partition determiner in the decoder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may, based on a first amount of code of the first set of block partition modes and a second amount of codes of the second set of block partition modes, perform partitioning using the set of block partition modes that appears first in a predetermined order among the first set of block partition modes and the second set of block partition modes, when the first amount of code and the second amount of code are equal.

An encoding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: partitioning a picture into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the picture being read from a memory; and encoding the plurality of blocks. The set of block partition modes may include a first partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a first block, and a second block partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a second block which is one of blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned. In the partitioning, when the total number of partitions of the first block partition mode is three, the second block is a center block among the blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned, and the partition direction of the second block partition mode is same as the partition direction of the first block partition mode, the second block partition mode may include only a block partition mode indicating that the total number of partitions is three.

A parameter for identifying the second block partition mode in the encoding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first flag that indicates whether a block is to be partitioned horizontally or vertically, and need not include a second flag indicating a total number of partitions into which the block is to be partitioned.

An encoding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: partitioning a picture into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the picture being read from the memory; and encoding the plurality of blocks. The set of block partition modes may include a first partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a first block, and a second block partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a second block which is one of blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned. In the partitioning, when the total number of partitions of the first block partition mode is three, the second block is a center block among the blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned, and the partition direction of the second block partition mode is same as the partition direction of the first block partition mode, the second block partition mode indicating that the total number of partitions is two need not be used.

An encoding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: partitioning a picture into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the picture being read from the memory; and encoding the plurality of blocks. The set of block partition modes may include a first block partition mode and a second block partition mode each defining a partition direction and the number of partitions. In the partitioning, use of the second block partition mode which indicates that the number of partitions is two may be restricted.

A parameter for identifying the second block partition mode in the encoding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first flag that indicates whether a block is to be partitioned horizontally or vertically, and a second flag indicating whether the block is to be partitioned into two or more.

The parameter in the encoding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in slice data.

An encoding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: partitioning a picture into a set of blocks including a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the picture being read from the memory; and encoding the plurality of blocks. In the partitioning, when a first set of blocks obtained by using a first set of block partition modes and a second set of blocks obtained by using a second set of block partition modes are the same, the partitioning may be performed using only one of the first block partition mode or the second block partition mode.

The partitioning in the encoding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may, based on a first amount of code of the first set of block partition modes and a second amount of codes of the second set of block partition modes, be performed using the set of block partition modes of the lesser one of the first amount of codes and the second amount of codes.

The partitioning in the encoding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may, based on a first amount of code of the first set of block partition modes and a second amount of codes of the second set of block partition modes, be performed using the set of block partition modes that appears first in a predetermined order among the first set of block partition modes and the second set of block partition modes, when the first amount of code and the second amount of code are equal.

A decoding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: partitioning an encoded signal into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the encoded signal being read from a memory; and decoding the plurality of blocks. The set of block partition modes may include a first partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a first block, and a second block partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a second block which is one of blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned. In the partitioning, when the total number of partitions of the first block partition mode is three, the second block is a center block among the blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned, and the partition direction of the second block partition mode is same as the partition direction of the first block partition mode, the second block partition mode may include only a block partition mode indicating that the total number of partitions is three.

A parameter for identifying the second block partition mode in the decoding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first flag that indicates whether a block is to be partitioned horizontally or vertically, and a second flag indicating whether the block is to be partitioned into two or more.

A decoding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: partitioning an encoded signal into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the encoded signal being read from the memory; and decoding the plurality of blocks. The set of block partition modes may include a first partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a first block, and a second block partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a second block which is one of blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned. In the partitioning, when the total number of partitions of the first block partition mode is three, the second block is a center block among the blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned, and the partition direction of the second block partition mode is same as the partition direction of the first block partition mode, the second block partition mode indicating that the total number of partitions is two need not be used.

A decoding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: partitioning an encoded signal into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the encoded signal being read from the memory; and decoding the plurality of blocks. The set of block partition modes may include a first block partition mode and a second block partition mode each defining a partition direction and the number of partitions. In the partitioning, use of the second block partition mode which indicates that the number of partitions is two may be restricted.

A decoding method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: partitioning an encoded signal into a set of blocks including a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the encoded signal being read from the memory; and decoding the plurality of blocks. In the partitioning, when a first set of blocks obtained by using a first set of block partition modes and a second set of blocks obtained by using a second set of block partition modes are the same, partitioning may be performed using only one of the first block partition mode or the second block partition mode.

A recording medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium for use in a computer, the recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon which may cause the computer to execute: partitioning a picture into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the picture being read from a memory; and decoding the plurality of blocks. The set of block partition modes may include a first partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a first block, and a second block partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a second block which is one of blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned. In the partitioning, when the total number of partitions of the first block partition mode is three, the second block is a center block among the blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned, and the partition direction of the second block partition mode is same as the partition direction of the first block partition mode, the second block partition mode may include only a block partition mode indicating that the total number of partitions is three.

A recording medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium for use in a computer, the recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon which may cause the computer to execute: partitioning a picture into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the picture being read from a memory; and decoding the plurality of blocks. The set of block partition modes may include a first partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a first block, and a second block partition mode that defines a partition direction and a total number of partitions for partitioning a second block which is one of blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned. In the partitioning, when the total number of partitions of the first block partition mode is three, the second block is a center block among the blocks obtained after the first block is partitioned, and the partition direction of the second block partition mode is same as the partition direction of the first block partition mode, the second block partition mode indicating that the total number of partitions is two need not be used.

A recording medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium for use in a computer, the recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon which may cause the computer to execute: partitioning a picture into a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the picture being read from the memory; and encoding the plurality of blocks. The set of block partition modes may include a first block partition mode and a second block partition mode each defining a partition direction and the number of partitions. In the partitioning, use of the second block partition mode which indicates that the number of partitions is two may be restricted.

A recording medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium for use in a computer, the recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon which may cause the computer to execute: partitioning a picture into a set of blocks including a plurality of blocks, using a set of block partition modes obtained by combining one or more block partition modes each of which defines a partition type, the picture being read from the memory; and encoding the plurality of blocks. In the partitioning, when a first set of blocks obtained by using a first set of block partition modes and a second set of blocks obtained by using a second set of block partition modes are the same, partitioning may be performed using only one of the first block partition mode or the second block partition mode.

Although only some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure can be used in multimedia encoding/decoding, and particularly in an image and video encoder/decoder which uses block encoding/decoding. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A decoder that decodes an encoded signal in a bitstream, the decoder comprising: circuitry; and memory, wherein using the memory, the circuitry: partitions the encoded signal into three blocks in a first direction, the first direction being one of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, the three blocks including a center block provided between other blocks in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; partitions the center block into three sub-blocks in the first direction according to partition information in the bitstream; and decodes the three sub-blocks, wherein partitioning of the center block into two sub-blocks is inhibited, and the partition information includes a first flag indicating whether the center block is to be partitioned in the first direction, and the partition information does not include a second flag indicating a total number of sub-blocks into which the center block is to be partitioned.
 2. A decoding method, comprising: partitioning an encoded signal into three blocks in a first direction, the first direction being one of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, the three blocks including a center block provided between other blocks in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; partitioning the center block into three sub-blocks in the first direction according to partition information in a bitstream; and decoding the three sub-blocks, wherein partitioning of the center block into two sub-blocks is inhibited, and the partition information includes a first flag indicating whether the center block is to be partitioned in the first direction, and the partition information does not include a second flag indicating a total number of sub-blocks into which the center block is to be partitioned.
 3. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a bitstream, the bitstream including an encoded signal and syntax information according to which a decoder performs: partitioning the encoded signal into three blocks in a first direction, the first direction being one of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, the three blocks including a center block provided between other blocks in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; partitioning the center block into three sub-blocks in the first direction according to partition information in the syntax information; and decoding the three sub-blocks, wherein partitioning of the center block into two sub-blocks is inhibited, and the partition information includes a first flag indicating whether the center block is to be partitioned in the first direction, and the partition information does not include a second flag indicating a total number of sub-blocks into which the center block is to be partitioned. 